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Phone and Internet in Germany: Contracts, Cancellation, SCHUFA

Prepaid SIM vs 24-month phone contracts, cancellation rules, SCHUFA checks, internet types and speeds, and how to compare providers.

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German phone and internet contracts are often rigid. Many run 24 months and used to auto-renew for another year if you missed the cancellation window. For newcomers, prepaid SIM cards are often the better mobile start. For home internet, check what actually reaches your address before you sign anything.

Since December 2021, new contracts allow you to cancel with one month’s notice at any time after the initial term ends (TKG Section 56). Older contracts may still follow stricter 12-month renewal rules. For cancellation steps and the online Kündigungsbutton, see Cancelling Contracts in Germany. For how contract applications affect your score, see Credit Reports in Germany.

Mobile: prepaid vs contract

Prepaid SIM

Good for newcomers: no long commitment, no SCHUFA check, easy to switch, and you control spending.

Trade-offs: usually less data per euro, and you must top up or renew your plan yourself.

Popular prepaid brands include Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, Congstar Prepaid, Lebara, and Lycamobile. You can buy a SIM in supermarkets and many electronics stores.

Registration. German law requires you to register the SIM (often via Video-Ident or in-store) with ID before full use.

Postpaid mobile contracts

Pros: more data for the price, sometimes a subsidized phone.

Cons: typically a 24-month term, SCHUFA required, and you usually need a German address (Anmeldung) and bank account. Each application can create a SCHUFA inquiry. Too many in a short time can hurt your score.

Networks. The three main operators are Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. Discount brands such as Congstar (Telekom), Aldi Talk (O2), and Lidl Connect (Vodafone) use the same towers at lower prices.

Home internet at your address

Before signing, use a comparison site to see what technology and speeds exist at your exact address, not just your city.

  • VDSL: phone line; often 100-250 Mbit/s depending on distance to the exchange
  • Cable: TV cable; high speeds; Vodafone is the main cable ISP in many areas
  • Glasfaser (fiber): fastest and most future-proof; coverage still patchy. Check Deutsche Glasfaser, Telekom, and regional builders

For most households (streaming, video calls, remote work), 50–100 Mbit/s is enough. You mainly need more if several people stream 4K at once or you have specialized needs (competitive gaming, large uploads).

Cost and setup. Expect roughly 30–50 EUR per month. Installation can take weeks and sometimes needs a technician. Providers are gradually phasing out pure DSL in favor of VDSL, cable, and fiber.

Advertised speeds (bis zu). Contracts quote maximum, not guaranteed speeds. The Bundesnetzagentur reported in 2025 that fewer than half of users reach the advertised maximum, though most get at least half. Test your line at breitbandmessung.de (official tool). If results stay far below what you pay for, you may have grounds to reduce the bill or cancel.

Rural areas. Before signing a lease outside major cities, check the exact address on breitbandatlas.de (official coverage map). Do not rely on the landlord or postal code alone. If only slow DSL is available, a 24-month contract can lock you in while fiber arrives on your street.

Choosing a provider and cancelling on time

Who is “best” depends on your street. Telekom has the widest footprint and is often the only option in rural areas. Vodafone leads many cable markets. O2 is often cheapest among the big three. 1&1 resells other networks and sometimes undercuts them. Regional ISPs (NetCologne, M-net, EWE) can be excellent where they operate.

Search local forums or Reddit for [your city] internet provider before you commit. Marketing pages rarely match real-world stability.

Cancellation (Kündigung). After the minimum term on newer contracts, service usually becomes month-to-month with one month’s notice. The initial term can still be up to 24 months. Cancel in writing (email is often accepted). Keep proof. Set a reminder at least four months before the contract end so you do not miss older three-month notice windows on legacy deals.

If VDSL or cable at your address is slow or unavailable, mobile home internet is often better. A Mobilfunk-Router uses a SIM to create Wi-Fi over 4G/5G. LTE covers virtually all of Germany; 5G covers most of the population in practice.

Provider examples: Telekom MagentaZuhause Air, Vodafone GigaCube (including GigaCube Flex month-to-month), O2 HomeSpot (from about 34.99 EUR/month). 100-500 Mbit/s is realistic where 5G is strong. Useful for short stays or if you move often.

Own your router when possible. Provider rental fees add up over 24 months. Unlocked models such as the AVM FRITZ!Box 6850 5G (5G/LTE, works with many SIMs) or Huawei B535 (LTE, external antenna ports for weak signal) are common choices. Avoid very old used routers with no security updates.

Starlink is available nationwide. Residential plans are tiered (roughly €35 to €75 per month as of mid-2026, plus hardware purchase or rental). Confirm current prices at starlink.com. It can work for remote work in white spots (weiße Flecken) with poor DSL and weak mobile signal.

Tips and next steps

  • Read minimum term (Mindestvertragslaufzeit) and add up total cost over 24 months, not just the promo monthly price.
  • Watch for price jumps after the first months.
  • Set calendar reminders before renewal deadlines.
  • Consider discount brands (Congstar, Aldi Talk) on the same networks.
  • Negotiate when your term ends. Bundling mobile and home internet sometimes saves money.

Get phone and internet

  1. Mobile: start with prepaid (Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect). Buy a SIM, then complete SIM registration with ID.
  2. Home: check availability at your address on Check24 or Verivox.
  3. Compare total 24-month cost, speed technology, and router fees.
  4. Consider buying a router (for example FRITZ!Box 7530 AX around 130–145 EUR) instead of renting for two years.
  5. Order online or in store. Book an installation slot if required.

For typical utility budgets, see Cost of Living in Germany. When you move, see Changing Your Registered Address for internet Umzug and special termination rights.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. While we endeavour to ensure the information is accurate and current, we provide no guarantee, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content. Users act solely at their own risk. For binding decisions, please consult with the relevant municipal authorities or a qualified legal professional.