An electrician from São Carlos, Brazil has preserved the memory of payphones through his collection of 28,000 phone cards as public payphones phase out across the country.
As Brazil bids farewell to public payphones, an electrician from São Carlos, São Paulo, is keeping this memory alive with an impressive collection of 28,000 phone cards accumulated over nearly three decades. Nilton Cesar Cavicchioli's collection transforms nostalgia into a communication heritage, capturing a unique time in telecommunication history. The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) announced the end of public telephones in January, resulting in the removal of 38,000 devices throughout Brazil, marking the conclusion of an era.
Despite this closure, Nilton remains undeterred. He believes the rarity of these cards will attract new collectors, enhancing their value. In a recent interview with G1, he shared the story of how he started his collection in 1999, inspired by a work colleague who was already collecting them. This reflects not only a personal passion but also a broader cultural phenomenon where the nostalgia associated with technology drives collector interest.
Nilton's journey sheds light on the implications of technological advancements on social practices and personal hobbies. As public telephones fade away, his collection stands as a testament to a bygone era and emphasizes the importance of preserving history and communication practices. The video and text accompanying the interview further illustrate his dedication and the emotional connection many have to these now-obsolete devices, inviting viewers to appreciate the significance of even the simplest aspects of communication history.
