Courtesy phone

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Airport terminals, large train stations, hotel lobbies, and other locations where many travellers are expected, often have courtesy telephones scattered about the premises, usually with a white case or other distinctive color. Most have no dial but rather are simple ringdown stations to reach an operator. Some double as emergency telephones, having buttons by which a user can distinguish between emergency use and inquiry. Customers use a courtesy phone to seek information, such as where to find further transport or a person trying to meet them, or to receive a page. Thus when someone wishes to meet or speak to a traveller, there may be public announcements to the effect, "John Doe, please use the nearest white courtesy telephone".