Payphones to stick around in Manitoba

While use continues to decline significantly year over year, payphones are safe in 2026 as officials with Bell MTS say there are no plans to hang up on its payphone service. 

The payphones are now a symbol of a different era, when disconnecting was as simple as stepping outside.

“When you were gone, you were gone. Nobody could get a hold of you,” said Brian Tkachyk, the owner of Brian’s Corner Antiques & Thrift.

“People usually have memories of their childhood as comforting times, and payphones, like many other things, are part of it.”

Tkachyk says only two to four come through his doors annually. 

“Not very many. Not as many as I’d like, just maybe a few of them.” 

Owning the shop for roughly15 years, Tkachyk says the items never stay put for long, as it’s an item people are ready to pick up, but says there are varying reactions when first spotted. 

“It’s mostly the memories. They remember using them as kids, and it’s something they could show the grandkids,” he explained.

While the clink of coins is heard less and less, those responsible for operating the phones in Bell MTS say they’ll still be found on the rare street corner.

“Although payphone use continues to decline significantly year over year due to the growth of wireless services, Bell MTS continues to operate payphones in Manitoba. There are currently no plans to discontinue this service,” said Bell MTS in a statement.

Bell MTS says in Manitoba, there are currently 1,300 pay phones left, roughly half of which are located within Winnipeg city limits.  

Tkachyk says he hopes the memories connected to the items, and the nostalgia it brings, may get others into the collecting game. 

“They might suddenly catch a bit of the bug and start wanting to have stuff like that around the house too,” said Tkachyk.