Deutsche Telekom continues to dismantle public telephone systems in Bavaria – six telephone systems in Viechtach (Region Regen) have also been damaged. Landlines and cell phones have made public phones unnecessary, according to Telekom when asked by BR. Vykhtach City Council sees things differently.
Mayor: “We are not yet in a good position in terms of mobile communications”
The second mayor, Johann Grill, was disappointed with the operator’s decision: “We are all very sad that this no longer works, but we can do nothing about it.” Grill has concerns about the consequences of dismantling the last phone systems in Fishtach: “We’re in the country. That means we’re not in a very good position with mobile communications in some parts of the city.”
According to the mayor, public phones convey a sense of security, “if you know you can make an emergency call even when there’s a cell phone gap.” Telephone systems are a form of perceived security, especially for seniors who do not have a mobile phone.
Lack of sales leads to dismantling
On the other hand, Telekom, which operates the affected telephone booths in Vykhtaş, says the lack of sales of telephone systems is a clear indication that there is no longer a desire to acquire public telephone systems. “If sales are disproportionate to usage over a longer period of time, we are dismantling phone booths,” a Telekom spokesperson said.
Nearly 14,000 phone booths are still operating across the country
According to Telekom, it still operates approximately 14,000 public telephones nationwide. According to Telekom, there is no longer a primary service obligation in the field of public telephone systems. The company cites a new communications law that has been in effect since January 1, 2021. However, “a few thousand” public phones will remain, which are also equipped with a free WLAN hotspot.
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