Localsearch to discontinue printed phone directory after 142 years

Localsearch will stop printing the Swiss telephone directory, known as the 'White Pages', at the end of 2022. This decision ends a 142-year tradition, driven by declining usage and a shift towards online information, as fewer individuals wish to have their private numbers publicly listed.

The company stated that from 2023 onwards, private phone numbers will exclusively be available online. This move reflects broader digital trends where personal data privacy is increasingly prioritized. The relevance and circulation of the printed directory have seen a steady decline over recent years.

Switzerland's first public telephone directory was published on November 6, 1880, in Zurich, initially featuring only 98 entries without phone numbers. The directory's size expanded significantly with the growth of telephone subscriptions, peaking in the 1990s with approximately 4.2 million entries in the 'White Pages'.

The 'Yellow Pages' section, listing businesses and service providers, will be revamped into a new product called 'Localcities GUIDE'. This will focus on regional business, association, and municipal information. Localsearch will continue to provide digital marketing services to Swiss SMEs.