The Decline of Traditional Calls and the Rise of App-based Communication
Modern Communication Trends
Decreasing usage of traditional landlines and cellular phones
In today's digital landscape, the conventional telephone call is slowly becoming a relic of the past. A report released by the Federal Network Agency in Germany reveals that only 11% of all call volume in 2023 was via landline, with a significant decrease of 14% in landline connections compared to 2022 [1]. Interestingly, traditional mobile calls have also seen a decline, decreasing by 4% compared to the previous year [1]. This shift is largely due to the surge in popularity of number-independent messenger and video conferencing apps.
Messengers and Video Conferencing Services
Applications such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and Teams have gain immense traction, with call volume via these services increasing from 175.1 billion minutes in 2023 to 196.7 billion minutes in the following year [1]. Not only has the number of calls escalated, but the volume of instant messages has also risen, jumping from 891.4 billion to 901.9 billion [1]. This development mirrors trends observed in other parts of the world, as people increasingly choose apps over traditional phone calls for their ease, convenience, and versatility.
The Evolution of Landline and Mobile Phones
The decline in landline and mobile phone call volume can be attributed to a variety of factors. In regions like China, the number of landline users dropped from approximately 167 million in November 2024 to around 165 million in March 2025 [2]. This shift can be attributed to the higher costs associated with traditional copper home phone services in comparison to internet-based alternatives. Conversely, mobile networks are witnessing growth, particularly with the expansion of 5G technology, which has sparked increased demand for high-speed data transmission [1].
Keeping Costs Down and Staying Connected
Alongside the growth of mobile networks, data usage has soared for both landlines and mobiles. The average data usage for landlines jumped by 35 gigabytes per connection per month to an average of 322 gigabytes, while mobile data usage increased marginally from 7.2 to 7.4 gigabytes per month and SIM profile [1]. It is essential to be aware of these trends to avoid excessive costs while staying connected. Instead of entering into expensive transition contracts, consider embracing fiber optic technology for cost-effective and high-speed internet solutions.
The Future of Communication
With the explosion of communication apps and the decline of traditional landline and mobile phone calls, it is clear that our communication landscape is undergoing profound changes. Digital transformation is driving the preference for flexible and cost-effective communication solutions, and this shift toward digital communication is likely to continue. As always, it is essential to stay informed and adapt to these changes to stay ahead in today's fast-paced world.
[1] ntv.de[2] jwu/AFP
- Telecommunications
- Federal Network Agency
- As digital transformation persists, it's important for community policy to consider the impact of vocational training programs in adapting to the increasingly popular app-based communication technology.
- In the future, sports teams might explore innovative technologies to engage with their communities through messenger and video conferencing services, providing a more interactive and cost-effective way to communicate.
