Distribution of paper phonebooks set to end

Paper phonebooks will no longer be distributed across the Isle of Man after the 2025 edition, a telecoms provider has announced.

Manx Telecom (MT) said the move to a digital directory from 2026 onwards was being made to "provide a more environmentally friendly solution”.

The firm, which produces the phonebook, said it was also being done to “enhance protection for customer data” under current laws.

Printed copies of the directory would still be available on request and additional support would be offered to "those who may need it”, it said.

In the UK, BT announced that after more than 140 years of printing them, it would no longer be delivering paper phonebooks from March this year.

On the island, MT had been printing about 54,500 copies of the local directory, which also features business contact information, in recent years.

The telecoms provider’s final 2025 phonebook, which has recently been distributed, was accompanied by an explanatory letter to customers.

In it the company said it would still “provide additional information on directory services, including options for businesses, individuals who require additional support, and anyone preferring a printed copy”.