Telephone with valid phonecard activated connection terminal

摘要

The telephone terminal (1) is connected through a telephone socket (2) and line (3) with the exchange unit (4) of a communication network. Between the terminal and the socket or box there is a switch (5) with a card reader (6) for receiving a phonecard (7). If the card is valid, the switch sends out a release code that is evaluated by an interrupter (8). The release code allows connection to the exchange unit. The card reader registers any credit and the current charge and a display (9) shows the current credit balance of the phonecard. Preferably certain predetermined telephone numbers e.g. emergency numbers, can be called without requiring a phonecard to be inserted.