The Adopt a Kiosk programme is an innovative, new initiative recently launched by BT. Where there is limited use of the public payphone service, a local authority can apply to take ownership of red telephone box(es) effectively free of charge thereby protecting the heritage of a 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.
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.
3. What is the difference between the two programmes?
Authorities that Adopt a Kiosk will retain the kiosk only (i.e. minus the payphone itself). Additionally this programme only applies to red kiosks. The Sponsored programme offers authorities the opportunity to retain a complete service by contributing towards the costs of maintenance.
4. Who can apply for the Adopt a Kiosk/Sponsored Kiosk programme?
Any recognised local authority throughout England, Scotland and Wales can apply, as long as they comply with the terms and conditions of either 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. If the electricity supply is not required BT will arrange for the disconnection of the supply, but this will be at the expense of the adopting body. This costs typically between £200 and £500, depending on the electricity company.
8. What information is needed in order to apply for Adopt a Kiosk/Sponsored Kiosk?
Authorities 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.
In addition to the telephone number(s) of the box(es), for:
Sponsored Kiosk, contact and billing details will be need to be provided to BT so that BT can submit annual invoices to the sponsoring organisation.
9. Are there any planning regulations which need to be complied with?
Local authorities must apply to the relevant authorities for any of the necessary consents to retain a kiosk. Further details can be found in the contracts.
11. When to apply to Adopt a Kiosk/Sponsored Kiosk?
Applications for Adopt a Kiosk/Sponsored Kiosk should be submitted before February 2010. Applications received after this date will be considered, but may be delayed due to the need to consult with the local authority.
The Adopt a Kiosk programme only applies to Red kiosks but it is not restricted to those kiosks that have been part of recent public consultations. Authorities are required to agree that BT can remove the telephone service and as owners, the authorities will be responsible for ongoing maintenance.
BT Payphones have reviewed their Adopt a Kiosk process.
Customers can now choose one of the following two options:
Option1: 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 however, BT will contact the kiosk owner should this become necessary.
At the point of transfer BT will ensure that the light will be working but from then on BT will only be responsible for the supply in to the kiosk to the point of the R.E.C. 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 for themselves 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.
20. 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.
21. Are Listed Kiosks included in the Adopt a Kiosk/Sponsored 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.
22. 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 red 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.
25. What happens if a consultation is still ongoing? Should authorities apply?
Yes, authorities should apply immediately if they are interested in either scheme. Details of kiosks that have been applied for should be clearly marked "Adopt" on any subsequent consultation responses.
26. Can authorities apply for a kiosk to be re-installed?
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.
