# Decline of landline telephony in Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/decline-of-landline-telephony-in-germany
> Updated: 2026-08-27T09:09:36.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Landline telephone usage in Germany is experiencing a significant decline. A survey by Verivox indicates that only 61 percent of respondents use a traditional home telephone, a 10 percentage point decrease from 2025. This trend shows a sharp generational divide, with usage dropping to 42 percent among those aged 18 to 29, compared to 89 percent for those aged 70 to 79.

Experts attribute this shift to the rise of mobile phone flat rates and improved mobile network stability, which allow for cost-effective audio and video calls via smartphones. 

In response to changing technology and maintenance difficulties, Deutsche Telekom is transitioning approximately 1.3 million customers away from legacy analog MSAN-POTS technology. The company is moving users toward fiber optic (FTTH), DSL, or mobile-based solutions such as ‘Call Connect via Funk’ hardware, which operates via 4G/LTE networks. While these new systems allow users to keep existing numbers, they have limitations, such as the inability to support old rotary dial phones and a requirement for external power to function during outages.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Deutsche Telekom to transition 1.3 million customers from analog landlines

Deutsche Telekom is replacing 1.3 million legacy analog landline connections with mobile-based or digital solutions by 2028 due to maintenance difficulties.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/deutsche-telekom-to-transition-13-million-customers-from-analog-landlines

### 2026-08-22: Germany landline usage declines to 61 percent

A Verivox survey shows landline usage in Germany has dropped to 61 percent, down 10 percentage points from 2025, as mobile flat rates and improved networks drive consumers toward smartphones.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-landline-usage-declines-to-61-percent

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Cite as: Decline of landline telephony in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/decline-of-landline-telephony-in-germany
