Tele Columbus has officially launched gigabit internet service under its PÜR brand in Ludwigsfelde, Brandenburg, marking the first full rollout of 1 Gbps speeds in the city. The service, which includes high-speed broadband, landline telephony, and an entertainment platform combining linear TV and streaming, is now available to residential and business customers. According to Tele Columbus, the launch follows months of infrastructure upgrades and testing in select neighborhoods.
Ludwigsfelde, a town of approximately 45,000 residents located 30 kilometers south of Berlin, joins a growing list of German municipalities where gigabit-capable networks are becoming standard. The move aligns with the German government’s Digital Infrastructure Plan, which aims to ensure 90% of households have access to speeds of at least 100 Mbps by 2025 and gigabit connectivity for 50% by 2030.
Tele Columbus, Germany’s fourth-largest cable operator with around 2.5 million customers, has positioned PÜR as a premium brand targeting tech-savvy consumers and businesses requiring reliable high-speed connections. “With PÜR, we’re not just offering faster internet—we’re redefining the way customers experience connectivity and entertainment,” said Tele Columbus CEO Thomas Kremer in a statement released earlier this month. The company did not disclose exact pricing for the PÜR package, but industry sources suggest introductory offers may start at around €45 per month for basic gigabit plans, with premium bundles including entertainment services priced higher.
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What Is PÜR, and How Does It Differ from Tele Columbus’s Standard Offerings?
PÜR (pronounced “pure”) is Tele Columbus’s newest brand, designed to compete with providers like Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, and local fiber-optic networks. Unlike the company’s traditional cable-based internet service, PÜR emphasizes three key pillars:
- Gigabit speeds: Up to 1 Gbps download and 500 Mbps upload, supported by DOCSIS 3.1 technology and future-proofed for DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades.
- Entertainment platform: A bundled service combining linear TV channels with on-demand streaming, including partnerships with platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
- Telephony: VoIP-based landline services with enhanced call quality and features like call forwarding and video calling.
While Tele Columbus’s standard internet packages typically max out at 600 Mbps, PÜR’s gigabit focus positions it as a direct competitor to fiber-optic providers like Deutsche Glasfaser, which has been expanding its FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) network in Brandenburg. “The launch of PÜR is a strategic move to counter the fiber boom,” said analysts at Communication Age, noting that cable operators are increasingly investing in hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) upgrades to retain market share.
Who Is Eligible, and How Can Residents Sign Up?
As of this writing, PÜR gigabit internet is available in Ludwigsfelde’s city center and expanding to surrounding areas, including the districts of Neuendorf and Alt-Lüdersdorf. Tele Columbus has not yet announced a full citywide rollout timeline, but a spokesperson confirmed that additional neighborhoods will be added in phases through 2024.
Eligibility is determined by address, and potential customers can check coverage using Tele Columbus’s interactive coverage map. Sign-ups are currently open through Tele Columbus’s website or by contacting their customer service. The company has also partnered with local retailers, including MediaMarkt and Saturn, for in-store promotions.
Key requirements for activation:
- An existing Tele Columbus cable connection (or willingness to switch from a competitor).
- No additional installation fees for new gigabit-capable modems (though older equipment may require an upgrade).
- Contract terms vary: basic gigabit plans may offer 12-month contracts, while premium entertainment bundles could require 24 months.
How Does PÜR Compare to Other Broadband Options in Ludwigsfelde?
Ludwigsfelde residents already have multiple high-speed internet options, but PÜR’s gigabit launch introduces new competition. Below is a comparison of the primary providers in the area:
| Provider | Max Speed | Technology | Entertainment Bundle | Estimated Monthly Cost (Basic Plan) | Coverage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tele Columbus (PÜR) | 1 Gbps | DOCSIS 3.1 (HFC) | Yes (linear TV + streaming) | €45–€60 (introductory) | Expanding in phases; city center fully available |
| Deutsche Telekom (Magenta) | 1 Gbps (fiber) | FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) | Yes (MagentaTV) | €50–€70 | Limited FTTH availability; DSL still dominant |
| Vodafone | 1 Gbps (fiber) | FTTH | Yes (Vodafone TV) | €55–€75 | Rollout ongoing; partial coverage |
| 1&1 | 600 Mbps (cable) | DOCSIS 3.1 | Yes (1&1 TV) | €40–€55 | Widespread coverage; no gigabit yet |
| Deutsche Glasfaser | 1 Gbps (fiber) | FTTH | No (third-party streaming) | €45–€60 | Expanding rapidly; check local availability |
Why it matters: While fiber-optic providers like Deutsche Glasfaser and Vodafone offer true gigabit speeds via FTTH, Tele Columbus’s PÜR leverages its existing HFC infrastructure to deliver similar performance without the need for new cabling. This approach may appeal to residents who prefer not to wait for fiber rollouts or who are locked into cable contracts.
What’s Next for PÜR, and When Will It Expand Beyond Ludwigsfelde?
Tele Columbus has not yet announced a nationwide rollout for PÜR, but the brand’s launch in Ludwigsfelde suggests a broader strategy to target mid-sized cities in Brandenburg and neighboring states like Saxony and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. “Our goal is to bring gigabit internet to at least 10 additional cities by the end of 2024,” Kremer stated in a recent interview with Heise Online.
Residents outside Ludwigsfelde can monitor updates through:
- Tele Columbus’s official PÜR page.
- The company’s press releases for expansion announcements.
- Local government portals, such as Ludwigsfelde’s official website, which may collaborate on digital infrastructure projects.
For now, Ludwigsfelde customers can take advantage of early-adopter pricing, but those in other regions should prepare for potential waitlists or phased rollouts. The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has also begun monitoring gigabit expansion to ensure fair competition, particularly as cable and fiber providers vie for market share.
FAQ: Common Questions About PÜR Gigabit Internet
Q: Is PÜR available to businesses as well as homes?
A: Yes. Tele Columbus has confirmed that PÜR’s gigabit service is available to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Ludwigsfelde, with dedicated support for remote work setups and cloud services. Business plans may include additional features like static IP addresses and 24/7 technical support.
Q: Can I keep my existing phone number if I switch to PÜR?
A: Yes, provided you’re switching from another Tele Columbus service. If you’re coming from a competitor, you’ll need to port your number, which typically takes 1–3 business days.
Q: What happens if I don’t have a Tele Columbus cable connection?
A: You’ll need to switch from your current provider (e.g., Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone) to Tele Columbus first. The company offers migration assistance, but installation may take up to 10 business days depending on demand.
Q: Are there data caps or fair usage policies?
A: Tele Columbus has not introduced data caps for PÜR gigabit plans, but the company reserves the right to throttle speeds during peak usage times (e.g., evenings) if network congestion occurs. Entertainment bundles may have separate streaming data limits.
Q: How does PÜR’s entertainment platform work?
A: The platform combines Tele Columbus’s existing TV packages with streaming partnerships. For example, a customer could watch live TV channels while simultaneously streaming Netflix or Disney+ on a second device—all without additional buffering. The exact channel lineup and streaming partners are still being finalized.
What Residents Should Do Now
If you live in Ludwigsfelde and want to try PÜR gigabit internet:
- Check your address eligibility using Tele Columbus’s tool.
- Compare PÜR’s offerings with your current provider using the table above.
- Visit a MediaMarkt or Saturn store for in-person promotions, or sign up online.
- Monitor Tele Columbus’s press releases for updates on expansion to your neighborhood.
The next major checkpoint for PÜR’s development will be Tele Columbus’s annual investor meeting on May 15, 2024, where the company is expected to provide updates on gigabit expansion targets and financial performance. Residents can also expect further details on the entertainment platform’s launch, currently slated for Q3 2024.
Have you tried PÜR gigabit internet in Ludwigsfelde? Share your experience in the comments below, or let us know if you’d like help comparing providers in your area.