The Adopt a Kiosk programme is an innovative, new initiative launched by BT. Where there is limited use of the public payphone service, a local authority can apply to take ownership of the telephone box(es) effectively free of charge thereby protecting the heritage of the community.
In summary, the kiosk will remain in situ as opposed to BT removing it as part of the ongoing programme of payphone removals. BT will remove the telephone equipment before transferring ownership to the local authority, who will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and upkeep. There have been many innovative ideas for alternative uses, some of which are detailed on the case studies pages of this website.
The Sponsored Kiosk programme is similar to the Adopt a Kiosk initiative in that it allows local authorities the opportunity to protect the heritage of the community by retaining public payphones in their regions. However it differs in that while usage of the payphone service will be limited, a local authority may want to keep the payphone service in its entirety. In such instances, the authorities can decide to “sponsor” the service, contributing towards the costs of maintenance rather than asking BT to remove the service altogether.
Please contact us if you need more details of the Sponsored Kiosk Programme.
3. Who can apply for the Adopt a Kiosk/Sponsored Kiosk programme?
Any recognised local authority, Parish / Community / Town council or registered charity throughout England, Scotland and Wales can apply, as long as they comply with the terms and conditions of the programme.
To comply with legal requirements, authorities will be required to purchase the kiosk from BT for a consideration of £1.00. However, where there is power present at the kiosk the Parish / Community / Town council has the option to take ownership of the power supply, or for BT to continue to supply the power free of charge on your behalf. See FAQ number 17 for further information.
All applications are submitted online. Review the "How to Apply" pages on this site before clicking through to Apply Now. Some kiosks are available to adopt now, whereas others will require the consent of your Local Authority. Where this is the case we will apply on your behalf, but adoption cannot be guaranteed and the application can take up to 90 days. Please be patient with us.
6. What information is needed in order to apply for Adopt a Kiosk?
Anyone wishing to adopt should review the contractual agreements that are available to download from this site. A signed, completed contract needs to be submitted with the online application to:
BT Payphones 4th Floor - Monument Telephone Exchange 11-13 Great Tower Street London EC3R 5AQ
7. Are there any planning regulations which need to be complied with?
Anyone who wishes to adopt a kiosk must apply to the relevant authorities for the necessary consents to retain a kiosk. These may include your Local Authority or the Highways Agency.
BT Payphones have reviewed their Adopt a Kiosk process.
Customers can now choose one of the following two options:
Option 1: BT Payphones will continue to be responsible for the electrical supply and any payments to the electricity companies for that supply. BT reserves the right to disconnect the electricity supply at some point in the future but BT will contact the kiosk owner should this become necessary.
At the point of transfer BT will ensure that the light is working but from then on BT will only be responsible for the supply in to the kiosk to the point of the fusebox. Any future faults beyond this point will be the responsibility of the kiosk owner.
Option 2: The customer can choose to take over the responsibility for the electricity supply. Customers choosing this option will have to apply for an MPAN number from their electricity company. Please contact us should you wish to choose this option.
A Meter Point Administration Number or MPAN number is a 21 digit reference number, used across the UK to determine electricity supply points.
Where the customer chooses to own the power connection BT will require the customer's un-metered MPAN number. The number is required to transfer the billing for a kiosks power supply. Local power companies will be able to supply this.
For further information on MPAN numbers click here. Please note this is an external website and BT is not responsible for the information contained within.
Please contact us if you require more information on how to apply for an un-metered MPAN number.
14. What is the annual electricity cost for a kiosk?
If the customer chooses to transfer the electricity supply over to themselves BT has no control over what electricity companies will charge for providing an un-metered supply for the lighting. This will vary depending on the electricity company chosen.
15. Are Listed Kiosks included in the Adopt a Kiosk programme?
Yes, listed kiosks are included in the programme, but please be assured that this consultation IS NOT for removal of the kiosk structure. The listed status of these kiosks is not being challenged. Both BT's and English Heritage's view is that Listed Building Consent should not be required for the removal and/or replacement of internal telephone equipment from listed kiosks, as the equipment has been updated repeatedly and is not part of the special interest of the kiosks. However, the decision as to whether consent is required for such works remains at the discretion of the individual local authority.
16. How have BT communicated this programme to local authorities?
BT has written to all Unitary Authorities across England, Scotland and Wales. Letters have been sent to both Planning Officers and Conservation Officers
BT has written to all Unitary Authorities across England, Scotland and Wales that have kiosks included in the current street removals programme. Letters have been sent to both Planning Officers and Conservation Officers.
In addition, we have written to MPs or Parish Councils where they specifically requested information on the proposals.
Unfortunately it is not possible to re-install kiosks that have already been removed. If interested authorities should apply as early as possible in order to minimise the potential for kiosks to be removed.
Sorry, the Adopt a Kiosk programme only applies to existing red kiosks. Where there is already a K6 in situ local authorities can apply to retain the housing only as opposed to the kiosk being removed as part of the street removals programme. We do not offer a facility to replace different kiosk types with red kiosks.
