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PCO stands for “Public Call Office.
A Public Call Office (PCO) is a place where the public can make telephone calls by paying a nominal fee. These offices were especially important before the widespread use of mobile phones and are still found in certain regions, especially rural or remote areas.
Key Information About PCO
| Feature | Details |
| Full Form | Public Call Office |
| Primary Purpose | To provide public access to telephone services |
| Common Services Offered | Local, STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing), ISD (International Subscriber Dialing) calls |
| Operated By | Government agencies or private telecom franchises |
| Popular in | India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries |
| Peak Popularity | 1980s – early 2000s |
| Current Usage | Limited; still in use in remote/rural areas |
History and Evolution of PCOs
PCOs emerged in the late 20th century as a vital communication tool in developing countries. Operated via landlines, these booths or shops enabled people without personal phones to make local, national, and international calls.
In India, PCOs were set up widely by telecom giants like BSNL and MTNL, often as part of rural development initiatives. Over time, PCOs expanded to include coin-operated booths, manned counters, and even internet cafes.
With the rise of mobile phones and cheap data plans, the relevance of PCOs has declined drastically, though they remain in use where connectivity is limited.
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