So Sure is looking to remove all of them.
The move is said to reflect how islanders are making good use of digital communications, as well as how well-connected the island is.
Sure has placed notices on the pay phones and started a 60-day public consultation about their removal at the beginning of the month.
Once this concludes it will be talking to Citizens Advice and Age Concern.
‘As our lives become increasingly digital, the need for traditional phone boxes has continued to decline,’ said Sure’s chief commercial officer Simon Baldwin.
Tests were carried out at each phone box site to make sure there was a strong mobile signal in the area.
‘Sure’s ambitious investment programme is focused on infrastructure and services that enable how people communicate today – including world-class fibre and 5G connectivity.’
Citizens Advice chief executive officer Ali Marquis said it was important to consider the consultation.
‘While we recognise that the majority of our clients now have access to mobile phones, not everyone does – and for some, public phone boxes may remain an important lifeline,’ she said.
‘We are not aware of the current usage figures, but we would welcome efforts to repurpose those evidently not in use in ways that continue to serve the community.'
Ideas such as wi-fi hotspots, phone charging stations, mini library book exchanges, or even food bank drop-off points for non-perishable items could offer valuable support to those in need.’
Age Concern chairman David Inglis said he did not expect the news to worry members.
‘They all have got mobiles, which give them Facetime so they can stay connected,’ he said.
‘I do not think there will be any complaints.’
The most recent Telecommunications Statistics and Market Report, from 2024, showed the number of fixed line minutes in Guernsey across all landlines has dropped from 67m. minutes
There was more than 73,000 active mobile phone subscriptions last year, against a population of about 64,000 people. The average pre-paid mobile monthly spend was just over £11, while post-paid monthly spend was £22 a month.
The report does not state the age of users, but a UK Ofcom report last year stated that nine in 10 children own a mobile phone by the time they are 11.
Mr Baldwin said there was no time frame for the boxes to be removed.
‘We’ll devise a plan once all appropriate consultation has taken place.’
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