With a growing number of telephone subscribers to cater for and improvements in technology so too the telephone began to become more advanced. The rotary dial was replaced by push buttons but these early systems still used the same technology behind the dial – so called pulse dialling. However, with the introduction of digital technology within the telephone network and the availability of solid-state integrated circuits, telephones became far more advanced machines. Today’s push button telephones use a system called Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) for dialling a number. Here each pressing a key generates a unique combination of two frequencies and can be heard as an audible tone. With this system it is not only much quicker to dial a number but also it allowed for additional keys such as the * and # to be introduced. Electronics within the telephone provides for last number re-dial and the storage of commonly called numbers. Advances in the network mean that ‘caller line identification’ allows for the number of the person calling you to be displayed on the telephone handset. Today the telephone network doesn’t just provide the means by which you make telephone calls; it is your connection point to a whole digital world
The Eiger became available in 1981 and this version is the type A in stone coloured textured finish. It had a last number re-dial facility and an 'S' (silent) button which cut-off the microphone. This stone coloured version was produced in 1982. It was supplied to BT by Gfeller Telecommunications of Switzerland.
The Viscount Telephone
The Viscount range of telephones were developed by STC as their new electronic telephone and introduced in 1982.
9501 Viscount Telephone
This is an early version of the Viscount - identifiable by the 10 number keypad without any extra buttons. This ice grey version was manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, Belfast, Northern Ireland (STM) in 1982.
9511R Viscount Telephone
A later model of the Viscount featuring a 12 number keypad. The additional buttons provided a secrecy (S) button that cut-out the microphone and a MR button which provided a last number re-dial function. This orange version was manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, Belfast, Northern Ireland (STM).
9511R Viscount Telephone
Another example of the 9511R, 12 number keypad Viscount; this time in red. Manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, New Southgate, London (STC).
9511R Viscount Telephone
This example of the 9511R in beige is also supplied with a wall mounting bracket. Manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, New Southgate, London (STC).
9511R Viscount Telephone
Another example of the 9511R, 12 number keypad Viscount, this time in green. It was manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, Belfast, Northern Ireland (STM), in 1985 (85).
9631AR Viscount Telephone
This is a Viscount Super 4 Telephone which offered additional features. The button at the top of the telephone provided an on-hook amplifier. A four number memory could be stored by pressing the MS button followed by a number 1-4 and then activated by using the MR button. The N button provided a last number redial function. This memory is retained through the use of internal batteries. This beige model was manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, Belfast, Northern Ireland (STM).
The Viscount Telephone
Shown here are three examples of the Viscount telephone. On the left is the basic 9501 model with the 10 digit numeric keypad. In the middle is a model 9511 with the added secrecy and last number re-dial buttons. Finally, on the right is model 9631 with the full 15 key keypad.
Digitel 2000 Kirk Loudspeaking Telephone
The Digitel 2000, 'Kirk' telephone was designed and manufactured by Horsens of Denmark. It provided a hands-free operation mode with a microphone and loudspeaker located within the telephone case. A volume control is located on the back of the handset. It became available in the UK in the early 1980s.
GPO Trimphone 8766 - push button
The first keypad versions of the Trimphone became available in the late 1970s. The additional electronics necessitated increasing the height of the body over the rotary dial version. This example of the Trimphone was manufactured by the GPO Factory in Cwmcarn, Wales (FWR) in 1982.
TSR 8012 Rhapsody Telephone
Designed by Atea of Belgian these early push-button telephone were manufactured by GTE in 1982 and marketed within the Telephone Special Range (TSR) as the Rhapsody.
The Statesman Telephone
The Statesman started out life as the Inexpensive Telephone developed by GEC, Plessey and Pye. It was a simplified version of the Ambassador and became one of the most successful customer telephones of the 1980s.
Statesman versions
Shown here are three examples of the Statesman telephone in brown. On the left is a model 9001 with its basic numeric keypad; in the middle is model 9003R which provides the additional Recall button; and finally on the right is model 9101R which has the additional star and hash keys.
Statesman 9001
This is the most basic version of the Statesman with no additional features other than a standard ten digital keypad. This brown model was manufactured by Pye, Aidre (GNA) in 1983 (83/1).
Statesman 9003 R
This blue version of the Statesman is a model 9003R which was manufactured by Plessey at their Beeston factory in Nottinghamshire (EET) in 1983 (83 Nov).
Statesman 9101R
This brown version of the Statesman is model 9101R fitted with the additional star and hash keys. It was manufactured by Pye, Aidre (GNA) in 1983 (83/1).
Statesman 9003R
This cream version of the Statesman is a model 9003 which included a recall button for use on private exchanges. It was manufactured by Plessey at their Beeston factory in Nottinghamshire (EET) in 1984.
Statesman 9003 R
This maroon version of the Statesman is a model 9003R which included a recall button for use on private exchanges. It was manufactured by Pye, Aidre (GNA) in 1985.
Statesman 9003R
This brown version of the Statesman is a model 9003R which was manufactured by GEC-AEI Telecommunications, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham (GEN) in 1985 (85/1)
Statesman 9003R
This grey version of the Statesman is a model 9003R which was manufactured by Plessey at their Beeston factory in Nottinghamshire (EET) in 1985 (85-09)
Statesman 9040 R
This grey version of the Statesman is a model 9040R which is a basic model with the added feature of a last number re-dial (LR). This example was manufactured by GEC-AEI Telecommunications, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham (GEN) in 1986 (86/1)
Statesman 9040 R
This cream version of the Statesman is a model 9040R which is a basic model with the added feature of a last number re-dial (LR). This example was manufactured by GEC-AEI Telecommunications, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham (GEN) in 1986 (86/1).
Dialatron Carrera 1 Push Button Telephone
Designed and made by Iskra, Yougoslavia for Dialatron UK and released in the 1980s.
Sceptre 100
The Sceptre was designed by BT and provided an LCD display, 10 number memory, clock, a call timer and last number re-dial. The clock was maintained by separate batteries. This version was manufactured by Denis Ferranti Meters Ltd., Bangor, Gwynedd (DFM) in 1984 (1/84)
10005R Venue 24 Telephone
The Venue 24 telephone was derived from the Sceptre telephone. It contained a 24 number store, a clock, call timer and alarm. The LCD display also showed the number being dialled. Internal batteries were required and a 'low battery' warning appears in the display. The Venue was introduced in the mid 1980s.
Astral 'Fab Phone'
Manufactured by Astral International Ltd. It features last number redial, an electronic ringer and is hearing aid compatible. This model is presented in the Acid Lime colour.
Betacom ITALIA Model No. IT/2
A phone that could be either wall mounted or simply rested on a table.
GEC "Gallery" Telephone
This GEC Gallery Telephone has much in common with the Statesman and could have been an early version. It differs from the other models in having a side recess, not that dissimilar to the Ambassador, and embossing around the keys and handset recesses. It was manufactured by GEC-AEI Telecommunications, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham (GEN) in 1986 (86)
The Tremolo Telephone
9701 Tremolo Telephone
Manufactured by Northern Telecom, the Tremolo was introduced in 1988. It provided a last number re-dial and secrecy button.
9701 Tremolo Telephone
The Tremolo was introduced in 1988 as a standard residential telephone. This model in grey was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG).
Featurephone TX21
The Featurephone was designed to work with the Octara 32 key telephone system. This model is a basic handset and was manufactured by GEC Plessey plc in 1989 (89/18).
Thorn Ericsson TET
A TR100 Diavox Telephone Instrument manufactured in 1989 (89/05).
The React Telephone
BT Tele 5012AR React Push Button Telephone
This is the basic model in the React range. It provides secrecy and last number re-dial plus private exchange functions such as recall. The React range was introduced in 1990.
BT Tele 5013AR React Push Button Telephone
This is a model React 120 with 20 address buttons for pre-stored numbers. It was introduced in 1990.
The Vanguard Telephone
The Vanguard model was introduced in the early -1990s as the main customer rental telephone. They provided last number re-dial and secrecy functions and could be switched between pulse or touch tone dialling.
4001AR Vanguard Telephone
This basic model of the Vanguard is presented in charcoal grey and was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG) in 1992.
4001AR Vanguard Telephone
This basic model of the Vanguard is presented in polar white and was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG) in 1992.
4001AR Vanguard Telephone
Another example of the 4001AR Vanguard basic model in polar white. It was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG) in 1992.
4003AR Vanguard Telephone
This 4003AR model of the Vanguard is presented in polar white and was fitted with an inductive coupler. This is compatible with behind-the-ear hearing aids when these are switched to the 'T' position. It was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG) in 1992.
4005 Vanguard 10E
The Vanguard 10E provides the following additional features over a standard Vanguard, on hook dialling (with switchable Monitor volume), 10 dedicated memory keys (24 digits) and latching secrecy button in 1992.
The Relate Telephone
BT Relate 100
The Relate 100 was introduced in 1992. It featured a Secrecy Button (with LED), last number redial, ringer volume control (Hi/Lo/Off), and touch tone dialling. The Relate 100 provided the added feature of a pen tray on the right hand side of the case.
BT Relate 300
The Relate 300 was introduced in 1992. It featured a Secrecy Button (with LED), last number redial, ringer volume control (Hi/Lo/Off), and touch tone dialling. This model provided the additional features offull hands-free operation, 20 quick dial keys, and an LCD panel with clock and call timer.
BT Relate 2000 Videophone
This Relate 2000 videophone was the first one BT made commercially available, in the 1990s. It promised callers the chance to see, and be seen by, the person they were talking to. It features a flip-up screen on the right, where the video played. They were available for £500. The colour Liquid Crystal Display is a 2.9" screen which displays the incoming video signal at a rate of 8 frames per second. If the picture is unclear due to line noise or other interference, the rate may be slowed to 3-4 frames per second. Unfortunately picture quality generally proved to be poor and the videophone was not popular.
BT "Moneybox" CT6000B
This BT payphone was supplied for use within residential premises.
Duet 200 Telephone
The Duet contained a 13 number memory, last number re-dial, ringer volume control and an LCD display concealed under the handset. This model is marked Made in Malaysia and became available in the early 1990s.
Solitaire 2000C payphone
This model was manufactured by GN Rathdown Ltd. A payphone that required a customer to insert coins before making the call. These coins were collected in a tray under the telephone that was locked by a key. This model promotes the fact that it accepts the new smaller size 10p coin which dates it at 1992. When the person answers you press 'button A' to establish the call in the same way as the old Button A and B telephone boxes. There is no button B here, just a coin reject button.
GPT Connect 1 Plus, Mercury Communications
Mercury Communications was created in 1982 to compete with British Telecommunications plc. By the mid 1990s it offered an alternative telephone service to residential customers. Shown here are two examples of Mercury branded telephones that contained the 'blue' Mercury button which routed calls to the Mercury, rather than BT network.
Guernsey Telecom 100 Anniversary Telephone
A special telephone manufactured by Pocket (UK) Ltd Manchester in April 1996 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Guernsey Telecom (1896-1996).
STC 200
A basic wall mounted telephone.
Binatone Avon 400
The Binatone Avon 400 was introduced in 2001 and offers three memories that can store 13 digit numbers, call timer, built in clock, LCD display and redial.
Berkshire SD14 Telephone
Manufactured by ATL Telecom in 2002, the SD14 offers last number redial, volume control, secrecy, visual call indicator, and recall.
Panasonic VA 30920
The Panasonic VA 30920 is designed to work with a Panasonic A series Key Telephone System which provide a standard range of office switchboard functions.
Doro X20
This stylist Doro X20 wall phone in terracotta was introduced in 2005. It features 10 memories, 3 ringers with 3 settings for each ringer, handset volume control and last number redial.
Binatone Speakerphone 100
Corded phone with speakerThe Speakerphone 100 is a two peice speakerphone and 13 memories and a handsfree capability. Presented in a white it is a new addition to the Binatone range of speakerphone telephones suitable for the home or office.
Cisco IP Phone 7912 series
The Cisco 7912 is a basic level IP telephone. These telephones use voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology to send voice calls over data networks that run the Internet Protocol (IP). An example of the trend towards converged networks; one network infrastructure offering all customer services.
With a growing number of telephone subscribers to cater for and improvements in technology so too the telephone began to become more advanced. The rotary dial was replaced by push buttons but these early systems still used the same technology behind the dial – so called pulse dialling. However, with the introduction of digital technology within the telephone network and the availability of solid-state integrated circuits, telephones became far more advanced machines. Today’s push button telephones use a system called Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) for dialling a number. Here each pressing a key generates a unique combination of two frequencies and can be heard as an audible tone. With this system it is not only much quicker to dial a number but also it allowed for additional keys such as the * and # to be introduced. Electronics within the telephone provides for last number re-dial and the storage of commonly called numbers. Advances in the network mean that ‘caller line identification’ allows for the number of the person calling you to be displayed on the telephone handset. Today the telephone network doesn’t just provide the means by which you make telephone calls; it is your connection point to a whole digital world
The Viscount range of telephones were developed by STC as their new electronic telephone and introduced in 1982.
The Statesman started out life as the Inexpensive Telephone developed by GEC, Plessey and Pye. It was a simplified version of the Ambassador and became one of the most successful customer telephones of the 1980s.
The Vanguard model was introduced in the early -1990s as the main customer rental telephone. They provided last number re-dial and secrecy functions and could be switched between pulse or touch tone dialling.
