Denmark is set to end its letter delivery services by the end of the year, as the country’s postal service PostNord announces a significant shift towards digital communication. The move comes as part of a broader trend across Europe, where mail volumes have been declining rapidly due to the rise of digital technology.
According to Kim Pedersen, chief of PostNord Denmark, Danes are receiving an average of just one letter per month, with most people preferring online shopping and digital communication over traditional postal services. The decline in letter volumes has been driven largely by the high cost of sending a letter in Denmark, which was recently increased due to new regulations that opened up the postal market to private competition.
As PostNord ceases its letter delivery services, a private company called DAO will take over with its own nationwide service. However, concerns have been raised about the impact on rural areas and older communities, who may struggle with the changes to letter deliveries. Despite these concerns, experts believe that physical mail is becoming increasingly obsolete as digital technology continues to dominate the way people communicate.
The trend towards digital communication is not unique to Denmark, but rather a global phenomenon. According to postal sector expert Hazel King, letters across Europe have been declining by 30% or more since 2008, driven largely by digitalization and the changing preferences of consumers. The economics of traditional letter delivery are also becoming increasingly unviable due to rising costs and declining volumes.
As Denmark bids farewell to its centuries-old letter delivery tradition, it serves as a reminder that even in an age of rapid technological change, there is still room for personal touch and human connection through physical letters.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3v37plv2edo