The Evolution of Payphones: From Obsolescence to Scams

In the 1990s and early 2000s, payphones became increasingly obsolete due to the rise in cellphone ownership. This led many established telecommunications companies to drop their payphone services. However, some companies adapted to this shift by buying out operators who wanted out of the business. Pantheon Holdings, for instance, built "internet kiosks" that allowed customers to check their email and make phone calls for a fee. Despite being real physical locations, these kiosks were often presented as a lucrative investment opportunity, leading to fraudulent schemes.

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