Sharjah
The usage of smartphones with advanced apps has reduced and almost made redundant many traditional services. For example, we don’t need wall clocks or wrist watches anymore, as mobiles are used by many of us to set alarms. One such service that is an issue in our area are phone booths.
People earlier used to visit etisalat offices to make calls to their home countries, but they provided phone booths at every nook and corner. But, with the popularity of mobile phones, people hardly use them these days, which has left these booths ignored.
It seems like etisalat does not carry out the necessary maintainence to these booths. Some such booths are located in the Al Sharq area in Sharjah. One of the booths has a broken handset and two are completely covered by dust. The electrical box next to the booth has a broken door and passersby use it as a trash can.
Etisalat has put notices on the booths, asking people to stop posting advertisements on them. But, people still do.
Saif Ali, a student based in Sharjah, suggested: “Etisalat should consider converting these booths into mobile charging stations along with a balance loading facility for the prepaid customers.”
I think this is a good suggestion. They could even charge people to recharge their phones’ batteries.
Roohi Nasir, a teacher based in Sharjah, said: “I’ve never used a phone booth and I think these are not required anymore.”
— The reader is based in Sharjah.
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BOX:
The reader’s concerns were raised with the management of etisalat. They immediately investigated the issue and responded.
They stated: “Thank you for bringing Mr Ahmad’s concerns to our attention. Our technical team is carrying out the necessary maintenance work at the Al Ghulaya district in Al Sharq area, Sharjah. The handsets at some phone booths have been replaced, and we are pleased to inform you that progress is being made in the area.
“As you are aware, the district covers a relatively large area and completion of maintenance work may take some time. However, we will endeavour to resolve the matter as soon as possible to the satisfaction of our valued customers.”
