November 1993 saw the launch of Phonecards by Pay-Tel Australia. These cards were produced for use by telephones on board the Abel Tasman Ferry, sailing between Melbourne on mainland Australia and Devonport in Tasmania.
Who are Paytel Australia ?
In 1998 a $10/DM12 Chip card was issued at the CeBIT exhibition in Hanover.
PayTel's Corporate Head Office is located in Blackburn, Victoria. The company's Engineering, Sales and
Administration are based at this office. PayTel also employs staff in Devonport, Tasmania and PayTel-trained
Sales and Service Agents have been appointed in Sydney and Brisbane.
November 1993 saw the launch of Phonecards by Pay-Tel Australia. These cards were produced for use by telephones on board the Abel Tasman Ferry, sailing between Melbourne on mainland Australia and Devonport in Tasmania.
Devonport is now the homeport of the Abel Tasman. It is located on the north West Coast of Tasmania, straddling across the Bass Strait.
A capacity of 1323 passengers and 355 cars, the 31,000 tonne "Spirit of Tasmania" heralds the biggest improvement in surface travel between Melbourne and Tasmania since steam replaced sail, with the power of four engines and advanced stabiliser technology. Length 161M Width 27.6M Draft 6.2M Tonnage 31,356 tonnes, as well as being bigger than its predecessor is " The Abel Tasman, The Spirit of Tasmania is more comfortable.
The $150 Million "Spirit" has been refitted extensively in Tasmania to provide the very highest level of facilities and comfort for passengers. There are five levels of accommodation including Suites and Deluxe cabins.
A range of dining facilities include: Lounges and bars: A night club, Admiral's casino and children's facilities; A swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna and souvenir shop in Allders on board shopping centre all combined to offer the finest cruise experience for all tastes and budgets.
Journey time from Melbourne - Devenport is 14.5 Hours
The 1st series was run as a trial issue on the Abel Tasman" ferry, and available to anyone travelling on board. 1000 Limited Edition numbered 1st issue collector packs were produced in folders for sale on the ship's souvenir shop, and were snapped up immediately by tourists and collectors
The introduction of Paytel phones on trains has since brought the railway enthusiasts into the hobby of collecting telephone cards since 1994. Everything from Steam locomotives to the trains of the future, including the TGV and Transrapid.
PayTel actively supports phonecard collecting as a hobby with the publication of a regular newsletter The PayTel Collector, the establishment of a Collectors' Club offering many benefits to Collectors, regular advertising in Australian and international journals and attendance at local and overseas phonecard fairs.The Payphones and Phonecards are designed and manufactured in Australia.
Direct link to Pay Tel Australia
Farewell to the Old Spirit
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