In and around the time of our 2001 AGM there were several gatherings of interested consumers who, naturally, got talking about matters that concerned them. It was not possible to reach any conclusions because not enough was known about these matters. However, it should be possible for Consumer Groups to find out more by just asking around, though you might consider the matters sufficiently important to get out and about and investigate more thoroughly. These matters are described below.
Have you noticed a reduction in the number of public telephones? The huge popularity of mobile phones must have caused a considerable drop in the use of these. There will soon be a time, if it is not already with us, when the providers of public telephones will conclude that they no longer produce enough revenue to earn their keep.
Does this matter? To many, who now cannot be parted from their mobile phones, it matters not one jot. They have instant and constant communication in their handbags, pockets or actually to hand (all too frequently whilst driving). But there are still plenty of people who do not have a mobile phone, and some who do not want one. Mobile phones can be very expensive. To these people, and particularly to those who do not have a phone at home either, the phone box on the corner is a vital facility, the loss of which could be a serious matter - particularly so in remote areas or areas of urban deprivation.
Do you (Groups and Individual Members) have a view on the possible reduction in public phones? The Membership and Development Committee would be interested to hear your views, though initially, please tell the Editor - it's simpler that way. Also if you are actually aware of public phones being taken away already then please tell him about it.
For some time now it has been possible to buy a phone with a keyboard and small screen which enables users to send and receive e-mails. Now we have mufti-phones, though the Editor has never seen one, which allow Internet access on the move. I understand that you need a laptop computer which you connect to your mobile phone and Dick's your uncle! Does anyone have experience of either of these?
As a Barclays customer the Editor sometimes feels vulnerable when, at night, he stands on the pavement outside the bank using a cash machine. Some banks provide a lobby within which the cash dispensers are situated and, at times when the bank branch is closed, access is by means of a swipe card. The idea is to provide better security for those using the cash machines and bank customers are, it seems, generally appreciative of this. As ever, of course, there are ways that security can be breached. It has been suggested that, because of this, the numbers of swipe card access bank lobbies are being reduced.
We do not know if this is the case generally, though it seems to be so in Oxford. If true, is it a retrograde step or is there really a risk of being robbed within these lobbies?
The question is, therefore, have you noticed a reduction in swipe-access bank lobbies, and, if so, is it a matter about which we should be concerned? Please let the Editor know your answer.
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