Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impending cessation of telegram services in Hangzhou, marking the end of an era for this once vital communication method, as the last telegram operator experiences a surge in demand from nostalgic and curious customers [1][16][38]. Group 1: Current Situation of Telegram Services - Hangzhou will officially stop telegram services starting May 1, with only Beijing and Hangzhou remaining as the last cities offering this service [1]. - Following the announcement, there has been a significant increase in telegram requests, leading to long queues at the local telecom office [7][11]. - The telegram service has seen a revival of interest, particularly among younger generations who are curious about this traditional form of communication [8][16]. Group 2: Historical Context and Evolution - Telegrams were once a crucial means of communication in China, especially during the 1980s when telephone penetration was low, with telegrams being the fastest way to send urgent messages [27]. - The peak of telegram usage in Hangzhou occurred in 1988, with a record of 1.9485 million telegrams sent, but the service began to decline with the rise of long-distance telephone services in the 1990s [27][37]. - The last telegram operator, Ren Hong, has witnessed the transition of telegrams from a primary communication tool to a nostalgic and emotional medium [16][27]. Group 3: Emotional and Cultural Significance - The current surge in telegram requests is attributed to a mix of curiosity and nostalgia, with many customers wanting to preserve a piece of history [16][38]. - Telegrams are now seen as a special way to convey emotions and sentiments, contrasting with the immediacy of modern communication methods like WeChat [5][15][44]. - The emotional weight of telegrams is highlighted by personal stories shared by customers, emphasizing their role in connecting families and preserving memories [46].
光阴的故事丨在5G时代发最后一封电报 电波中承载不变爱与记忆
Yang Shi Xin Wen Ke Hu Duan·2025-04-27 23:49