Telekom’s Landline Digital Switch Poses Risks for Millions
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Telekom's Landline Digital Switch Poses Risks for Millions
- Over one million Deutsche Telekom customers are affected by the shutdown of older landline technology, necessitating a switch to internet-based (IP) telephony.
- This migration, which began around 2014, has faced challenges including legislation requiring contract cancellations and re-offers, and issues with specialized equipment like emergency call systems.
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Deutsche Telekom is in the process of phasing out its traditional analog landline connections, impacting approximately 1.3 million customers who primarily use their landline for calls. This transition is part of a broader “all-IP” migration, converting older Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN systems to internet protocol technology. The company aims to modernize its network, which it announced in 2012, and expects operational cost savings of €1.2 billion by 2020 from this pan-European network project.
The migration means that customers will need to switch to new contracts, as the technical foundation for their lines changes. Deutsche Telekom states that 99% of its 25 million customers have already been successfully migrated to the new IP platform as of March 2020. However, the remaining customers, particularly those with older tariffs like Call Plus, Call Start, and Call Comfort, face potential price increases of €2.50 to €3 per month starting October 1, 2025, if they do not switch to modern internet-based or mobile packages.
A significant concern for affected customers, especially the elderly, is the compatibility of specialized devices such as house emergency call systems and alarm systems with the new IP technology. In some cases, these devices may not function correctly after the switch, or at all, as they rely on the older analog technology. Furthermore, unlike traditional landlines, the new internet-based connections will not work during a power outage, as the required router needs electricity.
Telecommunications expert Jörg Schamberg suggests that many customers could save significantly by switching to mobile plans, which can be considerably cheaper than the updated landline tariffs. For those who prefer a landline-like experience, tabletop telephones that operate using a SIM card on mobile networks are available.