City Telephone System Opens to Businesses, Public

After a surprisingly brief testing period, Deutsche Post has announced that it will immediately make access to the city telephone system available to both businesses and residents. While service applications are open now, subscribers are cautioned that it may require several days wait for equipment installation and connection to the communication grid.

Two services are offered. A private line can be installed at any residence or business for a fee of 299RL, allowing the station owner to speak to any other telephone connected to the grid. An Answering Service intended for business users is also available. For a 349RL installation fee, Answering Service subscribers will not be able to use the phone for placing calls or normal telephone conversation. Instead, all callers will have their message transcribed and forwarded on to the business owner by Deutsche Post. Both services carry a 25RL monthly subscription fee and include an updated listing in the City Directory including telephone number.

Public use phones continue to be available for a charge of 1 RL per call at the Postamt at Alexanderplatz #3, at the Cafe Elektric and the public booth on the Unter den Linden.