How to set up internet in Germany (and get the best prices)

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it also comes with a list of tasks to complete. One of the most important is figuring out how to set up internet in Germany. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite shows or keeping in touch with friends and family, a reliable internet connection is essential. This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing a provider to getting your connection up and running.

Understanding the Internet Market in Germany

The internet service in Germany is dominated by a few key providers, creating an oligopoly. Despite being one of the world’s strongest powers, Germany’s infrastructure quality is relatively poor, with an average broadband connection at about 16Mbits/s costing around 30€.

Providers offer similar prices for comparable packages, with little competition or disruption. The differentiating factors often come down to customer service and line setup speed. Be wary of heavily advertised bargain plans, as they may come with drawbacks like a two-year subscription or an undesired bundled package.

The Role of Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom, once the monopoly holder of the phone network and infrastructure, still plays a significant role in setting up internet in Germany. Even if you sign up with a different company, Deutsche Telekom may still physically set up your internet connection if the network is its responsibility, charging a fee of 69€ for opening a new line.

How to Set Up Internet in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of setting up internet in Germany is fairly similar across all providers:

  1. Find the offer that you’d like to have.
  2. Enter your address on their website to check for available speeds in your building.
  3. Enter your personal information.
  4. Wait for contract confirmation.
  5. Receive your modems – Wifi Routers.
  6. Wait for a technician to open your line (up to 14 days).

Often, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee for the router or other equipment provided, and fees for processing your contract.

Comparing Internet Providers in Germany

Here’s a brief overview of some of the main internet providers in Germany:

  • 1&1: Known for offering one of the best internet connections in Germany, 1&1 provides steady network performance up to 50Mbits/sec. Their basic offer is 16Mbits/sec for 14,99€.
  • o2: A cheaper option with a basic package offering a phone line and a 16Mbits/sec connection for 19,99€. However, customer service may not be the best.
  • Telekom (Deutsche Telekom): The conventional provider in Germany, often considered to provide the best service quality and customer service. The basic offer starts at 16Mbits/sec for 29,95€.
  • Vodafone: The British company offers complete packages (Phone, TV, and internet) starting as cheap as 27,90€. However, its network is not as extensive as other providers.

Remember to consider the duration of your stay in Germany when choosing a plan. If you’re staying for a semester or two, avoid signing up for a two-year contract. Instead, opt for a monthly contract that you can cancel monthly for an extra 2-3€.

Temporary Internet Solutions in Germany

If you need internet in Germany for only a few weeks or months, consider prepaid SIM cards with generous data plans or “surf sticks” that let you browse the internet via a USB dongle. Look for the keyword “Ohne Mindestlaufzeit” or “Ohne Mindestvertragslaufzeit” when looking at different offers, which translates to “no minimum duration”.

The State of Internet in Germany

Despite being a global power, Germany’s internet connection speed ranks 25th worldwide, right behind Slovakia and Macau. Even in the center of Berlin, the actual download speed is only up to 16Mbit/s.

Tips for Setting Up Internet in Germany

  1. Use Preisvergleich.de or Check24 to compare all available plans for your location. These websites allow you to get the cheapest plan for your needs. Just enter your postal code to verify your DSL availability and pick a plan.
  2. Be aware of regional German internet service providers. They offer competitive packages, but you might not be able to move your line if you move to another region.
  3. Use the Youth HotSpot app to find places with free Wifi until you set up your own internet connection in Germany.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to setting up a reliable internet connection in your new home in Germany. Remember, a little research can go a long way in ensuring you get the best deal for your needs.

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