Contemporary research has identified a sociocultural and economic change in the long 1970s that ruptured the euphoric belief in planning and technological progress, although current evidence suggests that it disappeared only briefly and was revived during the 1980s. A new persistent faith in progress evolved especially in the field of digital communication and networking technologies. The vision of a digitally networked world was based on the trust in a generally benevolent network and the promise of a better future. During this time, the development and introduction of the German videotex called Bildschirmtext took place. The German Federal Post Office proclaimed the start of a communications revolution with this technology. Therefore, investigating discussions about the implementation of Bildschirmtext promises insights into the tensions between government-initiated planning, public perceptions and the impact of new technologies in this period of change.