The rural group automatic telephone service was started in 1964 (Showa 39) by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation Public Notice Number 40. Rural group automatic telephones were not only used for calls between village residents, but also for contacting centers such as the village office or agricultural cooperative, for purchasing daily necessities, and even for school children to consult each other about things such as homework or school timetables. The service was a great benefit to sparsely populated rural regions.

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