Manx Telecom says some of its phone boxes are simply not making enough money to justify the cost of their upkeep.
The company plans to decommission six of them - five of which are the traditional red sort.
It says the ones chosen, in places such as Derbyhaven, Cregneash, Santon and Foxdale, are little used.
That has sparked a campaign calling for their preservation, as they are scheduled to be taken out of service next month.
David Smith is marketing director at Manx Telecom.
Speaking about the matter on Talking Heads earlier, he said it didn't have to be the end for the phone boxes:
Clip 1
Planning application for onshore wind farm still being developed
Motorcyclist suffered fatal chest injuries in crash
Trial for trio accused of producing Class A drugs to Island
Too early for 'direct action' over cost-of-living concerns says chief minister