MARKING the end of an era, New York City on Monday removed the last of its storied payphone booths, which have fallen victim to the ubiquity of free Wi-fi and cell phones in recent years.
But Superman fans can take comfort in the fact that Manhattan will keep four of the defunct booths, made famous as the impromptu changing rooms for journalist Clark Kent as he transformed into the Man of Steel.
Over the decades, the phone booths have featured widely in pop culture, from comic books to Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows.
That ended Monday morning, when, in front of assembled media, Manhattan borough president -- the equivalent of the mayor -- Mark Levine had the last booth housing two Bell System payphones at the corner of 7th Avenue and 50th Street dismantled and lifted on to a flatbed truck.
Levine said on Twitter he was "on hand today to say 'Bye Bye' one last time to the famed (infamous?) NYC pay phone."
"I won't miss all the dead dial tones but gotta say I felt a twinge of nostalgia seeing it go," he added.
Fixed-line payphones began disappearing from the streets of New York in the early 2000s as cell phone use spread, and then vanished even faster in the 2010s with the explosion of smartphones.
The final blow came when, in 2015, Manhattan went ahead with the installation of thousands of LinkNYC hotspots offering WiFi and free local calls.
Those new kiosks are to be gradually connected to the emerging 5G network.
"Truly the end of an era but also, hopefully, the start of a new one with more equity in technology access," said Levine, referring to neighborhoods in northern Manhattan, such as Harlem, that are less well covered by telephone and internet networks.
According to local media, Manhattan will keep four of the old-fashioned phone booths on the Upper West Side, on West End Avenue at 66th, 90th, 100th and 101st streets.
ETX Studio
Wed May 25 2022

Workers remove the final New York City payphone near Seventh Avenue and 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, on May 23, 2022. - ETX Studio

Russia lays out demands for talks with US on Ukraine, sources say
Russia has presented the U.S. with a list of demands for a deal to end its war against Ukraine and reset relations with the US, sources say

Astro launches Max on the Ultra and Ulti Box, bringing more premium entertainment options to Malaysian homes
Astro, Malaysias leading content and entertainment provider, today announced that Max, the premier streaming service from Warner Bros.

Duterte takes responsibility for Philippines drug war, anticipates long ICC battle
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he takes full responsibility for his administration's "war on drugs"

Canada announces plan to ease Syria sanctions
The Canadian government on Wednesday announced plans to ease sanctions on Syria during what it called a period of transition.

Zii Jia pulls out of Swiss Open due to injury
Malaysia's men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has withdrawn from next week's Swiss Open due to a recurring right ankle injury.

MCMC probes man for uploading fake content on social media
A 47-year-old Malaysian man is being investigated for allegedly uploading fake content that touches on the 3R (religion, race and royalty) on social media.

KPDN calls on public to help report bottled cooking oil shortage
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has urged the public to be the eyes and ears of the ministry and report shortages of bottled cooking oil in their areas.

ICJ to hold public hearings on Israel's obligations in occupied Palestinian territory
The International Court of Justice will hold hearings next month on Israel's obligations towards Palestinians, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Anwar: Sapura Energy's rescue plan excludes former shareholders
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Sapura Energy Bhd's (SEB) former major shareholders are no longer involved in the company's management as part of its restructuring efforts.

Intel names Lip-Bu Tan as new CEO
Intel Corporation (INTC.O) has appointed semiconductor Malaysian-born industry veteran and former board member Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO.

Ismail Sabri at MACC HQ to give statement
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here today to give his statement

Duterte could face up to 30 years or life imprisonment if convicted by ICC - Malacanang
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte could face up to 30 years or life imprisonment if convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Clarification on the investment in Sapura Energy by MDH
Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) as the existing significant shareholder of SEB.

Floods recede in Beaufort, but residents remain wary of downstream water flow
While floods in Beaufort are receding, residents remain on alert for downstream water flow that could bring floodwaters from inland areas.

Govt to ensure establishment of SEGiM aligns with introduction of Gig Workers Bill
The government intends to ensure that the establishment of the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) is in line with the introduction of the Gig Workers Bill.

UK steel industry warns of damage as Trump tariffs come into force
US President Donald Trump's tariffs on UK steel "couldn't come at a worse time," the industry has warned as the levy on US imports is introduced, reported PA Media/dpa news.

Penang allocates RM49.45 million for Phase 1 of i-Sejahtera Programme
The Penang government has allocated RM49.45 million for 274,151 recipients under Phase 1 of the i-Sejahtera Programme this year.

PM Anwar calls on all parties to be agents of unity, help unite people of different races
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Malaysians to join hands to become agents of unity and assist the MADANI Government in its efforts to unite all Malaysians

Women representation in senior management fall to 36.2 pct in 2025
The Grant Thornton Women in Business Report reveals a concerning decline in the representation of women in senior management positions in Malaysia.

Singapore Airlines prohibits usage, charging of power banks from April 1
Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will not be allowed to use power banks or charge them throughout their flight effective April 1.