Outdoor Pay Telephone Information

All outdoor pay telephones are regulated by ordinance and the program is administered by the Public Way Unit of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Information regarding any outdoor pay telephone can be obtained by calling the Public Way Unit at 312.74.GOBIZ (744.6249).

Complaints regarding outdoor pay telephones may be directed to the 311 Center or directly to the Public Way Unit.

Applicants wishing to install outdoor payphones must have ICC authority to operate as a public utility and be licensed by the State of Illinois.

No outdoor payphones may be installed without the permission of the Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection after notification to the Alderman of the affected ward.

No outdoor payphones may be installed on the following properties:

Vacant lots

Abandoned buildings

Taverns

Certain liquor stores

Residential properties

Other inappropriate sites as determined by the Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection in conjunction with the Alderman.

Businesses registered with the Illinois Commerce Commission as a public utility may apply to install an outdoor payphone by using the Outdoor Pay Telephone Application. For more information call 312.74.GOBIZ (744.6249).