Following the introduction of the large public "red phone," public enthusiasm for the convenience of direct-dial intercity calling leads to demand for booth-style public phones with this service. In 1968 a larger "blue phone" with the same functions as the large red phone is introduced for commercial testing in Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo and other cities, and the service becomes fully operational the same December. Large numbers of large "blue phones" are placed in booths (some in pole-type installations) on street corners and near train stations, for convenience at any time of the day or night.

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