Rowen joins campaign to save the phone box

Paul Rowen, MP for Rochdale, has joined the fight to save the phone box and signed up to Early Day Motion 1839 which is campaigning to save public telephone boxes.
 
The text of the motion reads:
 
That this House is greatly concerned about the new rules announced by Ofcom that could allow British Telecom to axe 6,000 telephone boxes without public consultation; calls on Ofcom to rescind the regulation that allows BT to remove phone boxes without consultation if there is another telephone box within 400 metres; notes that telephone boxes provide a vital service, especially in rural areas and during emergencies, and where there are often mobile phone coverage black spots; and recognises that not everyone has a mobile phone.
 
Paul said:  “This is a massive issue across the country, especially for those in difficulty and in need of help. I appreciate that BT are a business that has to make money, but they should be aware that they provide a sometimes critical public service.  In some of the more rural areas of Rochdale like Littleborough and Wardle - phone boxes are vital.  I know dozens of people who chose not to use a mobile phone for various reasons, especially older people.”

Paul is especially concerned that phone boxes can now be removed with consultation.  He said: "Phone boxes are also an important way of communication for those who cannot afford the often high price of using a landline or mobile phone.  If this service is taken away overnight it would force many people to pay for a service that they simply cannot afford.  I will be writing to Ofcom demanding that they force BT to consult on any removal of phone boxes."