Deutsche Telekom Faces Delays in Removing Decommissioned Public Telephones

The removal of 12,000 defunct public telephones, shut down in 2023, is slowed by bureaucratic and logistical challenges.

Deutsche Telekom began decommissioning 12,000 public telephones in January 2023 due to declining demand and high operational costs in the mobile phone era.
The removal process has been hindered by complex coordination with local authorities, energy providers, and construction firms.
Bureaucratic hurdles, such as obtaining permits for excavation and ensuring sites are free of unexploded ordnance, have further extended timelines.
Some cities, like Düsseldorf and Bochum, report partial progress in dismantling the remaining infrastructure, though many sites still appear abandoned and damaged.
Telekom expects to complete the removal by the end of 2025, citing the extensive groundwork and approvals required for each site.