Observed Signal · Aug 26, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Basel-Stadt to Remove Phone Booths Used as Ad Columns
The Canton of Basel-Stadt has re-tendered concessions for around 5,500 poster sites; current contracts expire end-December 2027. The new concessions will run from 2028 to 2034 with possible one-year extensions up to the end of 2037. The inventory is split into seven lots (five for 2,700 large-format sites and two for about 2,800 small posters). As part of the retendering, the last 25 public phone booths—mainly used as advertising columns—will be removed or replaced by mid-2028, either by the Allgemeine Plakatgesellschaft (APG) or turned into new poster sites. Interested outdoor advertising companies can submit bids until 23 November; the Canton’s Department of Construction and Transport (BVD) expects to decide by year-end.
Local/regional policy and procurement change affecting OOH inventory and tendering timelines; relevant to outdoor advertising operators and planners but not industry-shifting globally.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The Canton of Basel-Stadt re-tendered concessions for approximately 5,500 poster surfaces; current concessions expire on 2027-12-31.
- New concessions cover 2028–2034 and can be extended three times by one year each, up to 2037-12-31.
- Inventory is divided into seven lots: five lots with 2,700 large-format poster sites and two lots with about 2,800 small posters.
- The final 25 public phone booths used primarily as advertising columns will be removed or replaced by mid-2028; removal will be carried out either by the Allgemeine Plakatgesellschaft (APG) or replaced with new poster sites.
- Advertising firms may submit offers until 23 November; the Canton’s Bau- und Verkehrsdepartement (BVD) expects to award concessions by the end of the year.
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