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So, I assume you’re done with setting up your electricity. What next? Let’s thing about that later, for now let’s just scroll through Instagram and check out some reels. Oh, wait! You don’t have the internet for it! Yes, you get my point. In today’s blog, we’ll be looking into the top DSL providers in Germany and how beneficial are they compared to each other.
Related Blog
Read this Blog on Choosing the Electricity Provider in Germany
Why choose a DSL provider in Germany?
In Germany, there are various modes to gain access to the internet, such as DSL, cable, Optical fibre, LTE and satellites. Among these options, DSL is vastly used internet connection in Germany. This system makes use of copper telephone lines already installed in most German homes. There are high chances of your internet speed to not slow down during peak hours and the biggest advantage is you will not be sharing your connection with your neighbours.
Comparison of Internet Service providers
|
|
Vodafone |
O2 |
Deutsche Telekom |
||
|
Price (Euros) |
Starts from 29.99 |
Starts from 29.99 |
Starts from 24.99 |
Starts from 34.95 |
Starts from 13.99 |
|
Internet Speed (for starter packs) |
16 Mbit/s download and up to 1 Mbit/s upload |
50 Mbit/s download and up to 5 Mbit/s upload |
250 Mbit/s download and up to 40 Mbit/s upload |
16Mbit/s download and up to 2.4 Mbit/s upload |
20 Mbit/s download and up to 2.5 Mbit/s upload |
|
German Land Line |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Discounts variable |
First 6-10 months are free |
First 6 months are free |
In the first 12 months, rates are cheaper and people under the age of 28 are eligible for a discount
|
Cheaper rate in the first 6 months and discount for people under the age of 28 |
None |
|
Contract Duration
|
24 months |
24 months |
24 months |
24 months |
24 months |
|
Phone/TVs/Internet Packages
|
Yes |
Yes(optional) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Additional Features |
Mobile and internet SIM cards included
You can use your SIM card to access the internet until your home broadband connection is ready
HDTV is available Sign up for 24 months and get a discounted router.
|
Internet service provided by cable the fastest
Obtain a free router
You won’t go a day without internet
With your TV cable socket, you can hook up the router and get internet immediately |
Various options to choose from such as DSL, cable, fibre optics, LTE
High speed internet via glass fiber
Good prices for DSL contracts
|
Very fast internet speed via glass fiber
Ist combination package is the best to use
|
Free wireless router Landline with 1 phone number |
Internet line setup process in Germany
- Find the best internet offer that fits your needs, from the websites we mentioned
- Make sure you can receive the offer where you live
- Register online, make sure you choose the correct options and wait for confirmation of your contract
- Get your Wi-Fi router, which will take up to 2-4 weeks roughly
- Setup will be done by a technician (if applicable)
Best options to choose from
- Recommended for starters
1&1 offers one of the best internet connection rates in Germany as well as reasonable prices and stable network performance. Any connection includes a good router. It also offers plans without a contract.
- For Premium service
Though a bit pricey, telekom is been in the game for a long time now. Their packages are reasonable for the internet speed provided, their terms and conditions are fair as well.
- For short term stays
It is always advisable to go for plans that have no minimum duration in their offer or packages, which means you can discard the plan not immediately when you’re leaving, but provide a cancellation notice 3 months prior. Another option to opt for are dongles, which are available in various plans.
How does the payment method work in Germany?
Just like your other bills, your internet service is normally charged monthly, either by bank transfer or direct debit from your bank account. It may be necessary to have a German bank account before setting up the payment. If you don’t have one yet, you can apply for one online. Check out our blog about Opening a Bank Account in Germany.
Related Blog
Opening a Bank account in Germany
What Internet speed do you need in Germany?
The answer for this totally depends on what you need it for. To brief it up, you will need up to 25Mbit/s of download speed for sending mails, using social media or just accessing the internet. You will need 50-100 Mbit/s download speed for gaming and streaming in 4K. If you require a good streaming quality for a longer period of time and sharing larger files, that will require 150 to 200 Mbit/s download speed.
Changing your Internet provider in Germany/cancelling a contract
Your only task is to find a new internet service provider. When you switch internet providers, your new provider will handle termination and switchover for you.
When changing your internet provider, it is best to wait until your current contract is up. When you cancel your current internet contract earlier in Germany, you usually pay a high price. Thus, you should go with an internet contract in Germany without a minimum duration if you want to be flexible.
In Germany, the Telekommunikationsgesetz(German Telecommunication Act) provides for an initial period of commitment (usually 12 or 24 months) during which you are unable to cancel without penalty. Your contract can be terminated with one month’s notice at any time after the initial term ends.
Consumers have a special termination right under the German telecommunications act (* 46 TKG Telekommunikationsgesetz) if they leave the country permanently.
A notice of 3 months notice is expected from the end of the current month. To end your contract, send a notice in writing (preferred by mail) to your operator’s customer service department.
You can also select whether you need mobile, TV, or landline services when using the tool. You can find out what internet service providers are available in your area by entering your area code (Vorwahl).
Tips to save some money and chose the right DSL provider
- Make sure you read the contract and understand the small details, such as internet speed and contract length.
- In Germany, most internet plans have a minimum contract term of 2 Years. It is expensive to cancel a contract early. Therefore, you should get an internet contract that does not have a minimum term if you want to remain flexible.
- You should remember that the internet package includes a maximum speed, not a guaranteed one. It doesn’t mean that a cable plan and a DSL plan that both have 100 Mbit/s are the same speed.
- Occasionally, internet providers will offer time-limited promotions (for example, around Black Friday), keep an eye on those to catch some best offers.
- It is always a good idea to check if a particular plan is available at your address before diving into the details.
- You can often get discounts if you Bundle your Internet with TV and Phone service, for example. These extra services can be a great deal, but you need to ask yourself if you really need them.
- Allow your new internet provider to handle the switch so that the transition is seamless.
- In Germany, most of the big internet service providers only offer services in German. English is not available on their websites. But you can translate their websites into English using Chrome.
I hope you choose the right provider according to your requirements. Happy surfing!
