New Price Hikes for Fixed-Line Internet Contracts Affecting Customers

Recent changes in fixed-line internet contract pricing have led to higher costs for new customers, particularly with major providers Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom. According to Verivox, a comparison portal, Vodafone has significantly increased its pricing structure for certain internet tariffs.

Previously, the GigaZuhause Kabel 50 plan from Vodafone was available for nearly EUR10 per month for the first year. This has now risen to approximately EUR20 per month for the first nine months, and subsequently, the cost will approach EUR40 per month. Additionally, new connection fees of EUR50 have been introduced. Previously complimentary router rentals, such as the Vodafone Station, will now incur a monthly rental fee of about EUR4.

In contrast, Deutsche Telekom has adjusted its pricing by increasing the monthly cost for its Magenta plan by EUR1 for new customers. While this adjustment is seen as relatively modest, it still indicates a trend toward rising prices in the sector. Vodafone, however, has kept its list prices unchanged despite the promotional adjustments.

A Vodafone spokesperson clarified that promotional pricing is subject to regular changes, while a representative from Deutsche Telekom justified their price increase by citing the substantial investments required for network expansion and modernization. The spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to maintaining price stability for customers, while acknowledging that some degree of price adjustment is unavoidable due to economic factors.

Other providers in the market, such as 1&1, have stated that they do not currently plan to increase their prices, indicating a potential competitive edge.

In light of previous price increases, Vodafone has faced legal challenges regarding its earlier 2023 price hikes, which raised monthly costs by EUR5, affecting around 10 million customers who subscribed to television cable internet services. Consumer advocates have criticized these increases as potentially unjustifiable, leading to a significant number of customers joining a collective lawsuit organized by the Federal Association of Consumer Protection Agencies (vzbv). Over 100,000 individuals have signed up for this legal action, which is set to be heard in December 2025 at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm.

This case marks one of the first instances applying a new national law aimed at providing consumers with enhanced legal protections. If successful, affected Vodafone customers may receive reimbursements without needing to initiate individual lawsuits.