Class Action Filed Against Telecommunications Provider 1N Telecom

A large-scale legal action has been initiated against the Düsseldorf-based telecommunications provider 1N Telecom following a significant wave of consumer complaints. The Federal Office of Justice in Bonn has officially published a class action lawsuit, filed by the Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv), which is now pending at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm.

This legal step comes after thousands of consumers reported grievances related to 1N Telecom's business practices between January 2023 and June 2025. According to consumer advocates, the company demanded nearly 420 euros from new customers under circumstances they allege were unjustified. The complaints, numbering approximately 15,000, often involved older adults and encompassed various concerns, not limited to the disputed fee.

The dispute centers on misleading communications sent by 1N Telecom to prospective customers. Many recipients, believing the correspondence originated from the well-known Deutsche Telekom due to similarities in company names and branding, entered into 24-month contracts for fixed-line telephone and DSL internet services. A significant portion of these customers reportedly did not realize they had signed with a different provider until after the statutory 14-day withdrawal period had expired.

Following contract acceptance, some customers sought to prevent the transfer of their telephone numbers to 1N Telecom. In these cases, the provider terminated the recently signed contracts and imposed a charge of 419.88 euros, described as a form of compensation for non-fulfillment. Payment of this sum was often collected through an affiliated company, which is also named in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Consumers now have the opportunity to register for the class action at no cost. If the court rules in favor of the claimants, affected individuals may be able to recover the fees previously paid. Legal experts highlight that this collective action could set an important precedent regarding consumer protection in the telecommunications sector.

This is not the first time 1N Telecom has faced legal scrutiny for its marketing and contractual practices. In 2023, the Düsseldorf Regional Court ruled that the company was prohibited from sending mass mailings to customers of Deutsche Telekom, deeming the communications misleading and insufficiently transparent about the nature of the contract change. The court also determined that the nearly 420-euro compensation charge was inadmissible.

The current proceedings at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm aim to secure refunds for consumers who paid these charges. 1N Telecom declined to comment on the ongoing case, citing the pending legal process.

This case underscores the importance of transparent communication and fair practices in the telecommunications industry. Regulatory authorities and consumer advocates continue to emphasize the need for clear distinction between service providers to prevent confusion and protect consumer rights.