With most citizens owning a smartphone these days, we are left to question the purpose of old phone booths around the city. Well, it seems Shanghai is not ready to discard this once popular amenity just yet. On Yuyuan Lu, the antiquated phone booths have been upgraded to include new facades and functions, reports NetEase.
Compared with the old phone booth, the new kiosk has moved away from the classic red. Instead, it takes black and orange as the primary colors. Each kiosk comes in a different size and style as well, adding a touch of modern flair to the street.
Comparison between old and new telephone booths. Image via Eastday
Image via Shanghai Changning/WeChat
While the upgraded telephone booths still offer phone calls, the also include a USB port for pedestrians to take a rest while charging their phones and enjoying the Wi-Fi.
Image via Eastday
Many netizens are happy to see the revamped telephone kiosks. "Hope more telephone booths can be updated and provide more convenience to the city," one netizen wrote on NetEase. "It looks practical since I can shelter from the rain here and access the Internet." says another.
Image via Eastday
Meanwhile, there are still doubts about the upgrade of the telephone booths. "Why can't they add these fancy functions to bus shelters? I don't think any residents use a telephone booth." one netizen from NetEase shared.
[Cover Image via Shanghai Changning/WeChat]
