Deutsche Telekom to Increase Prices for Legacy DSL Customers
Deutsche Telekom is set to increase prices for customers on older DSL tariffs, with many facing a €2 monthly increase starting in April 2026. The price adjustments, impacting those on older MagentaZuhause and Call & Surf plans booked before April 2023, are being communicated to affected customers in the coming weeks, according to reports from German tech news site Verivox. A Telekom spokesperson confirmed the reports to Verivox, following initial discussions on Reddit from concerned customers.
The price hike reflects rising operational costs, a common trend in the telecommunications industry. While Telekom maintains it has held prices steady for an extended period, the company now cites increased expenses related to network operation, maintenance, and service delivery as necessitating the adjustment. This isn’t the first instance of price adjustments within the German telecommunications market, as providers navigate infrastructure investments and evolving market conditions.
The increase will witness customers on the MagentaZuhause L plan with 100 Mbit/s speeds paying €46.95 per month, up from the current €44.95. Telekom has attempted to frame the increase positively, noting that even with the adjustment, these customers will still pay €2 less per month than new customers signing up for the same plan, which currently costs €48.95 per month. This pricing strategy highlights the disparity between legacy customer rates and those offered to new subscribers, a practice increasingly common in the industry.
Understanding the Impact and Your Options
The exact number of customers affected by this price increase has not been disclosed by Telekom. However, the move is likely to impact a significant portion of the company’s DSL customer base, particularly those who have remained on older plans for an extended period. The company’s focus on upgrading its network infrastructure, particularly towards fiber optic technology, suggests a broader strategy of incentivizing customers to migrate to newer, more profitable plans.
Notably, customers who have already transitioned to fiber optic connections are exempt from this price increase. This underscores Telekom’s commitment to rewarding customers who have adopted its latest technology offerings. The company has been actively investing in expanding its fiber network across Germany, aiming to provide faster and more reliable internet access to a wider range of customers. According to the Deutsche Telekom, as of August 2025, connections in the Telekom network with speeds of up to 250 Mbit/s were available to 31.7 million households and businesses. Verivox reports this figure.
For affected customers, a special termination right (Sonderkündigungsrecht) is in effect. This allows customers to cancel their contracts within three months of receiving the notification of the price increase without incurring any standard termination fees. This right is a standard consumer protection measure in Germany when contract terms are unilaterally altered by the provider.
Navigating Contract Termination and Exploring Alternatives
Before terminating their existing Telekom contract, customers are strongly advised to research alternative providers and initiate the process of transferring their internet connection. This is an opportune moment to consider switching from DSL to fiber optic technology, if available at their location. The eventual phasing out of DSL technology makes fiber a future-proof investment, offering significantly faster speeds and greater reliability.
Several providers offer competitive internet plans in Germany. According to a comparison conducted by Verivox in October 2025, switching from Telekom MagentaZuhause M to Vodafone GigaZuhause 100 Kabel could result in savings of approximately €597.12 over 24 months. The Verivox comparison, based on a Berlin address (10585), showed the Vodafone plan costing €600.48 over 24 months, including one-time costs and discounts, compared to €1,197.60 for the Telekom plan. Verivox provides a platform for comparing internet tariffs.
Verivox, consistently ranked as a leading price comparison portal in Germany, offers a “Nowhere Cheaper Guarantee” (Nirgendwo-Günstiger-Garantie). This guarantee promises to refund the price difference over 24 months (up to €100) if customers find the same tariff offered at a lower price elsewhere, provided the tariff is listed on the Verivox comparison tool and ordered through their platform. The company has received the “Preis-Champion” award nine consecutive times from Die Welt and ServiceValue, solidifying its reputation as a trusted resource for consumers.
What Customers Need to Know About Sonderkündigungsrecht
Exercising the Sonderkündigungsrecht requires customers to submit a written cancellation notice within the three-month window following receipt of the price increase notification. The cancellation notice should clearly state the intention to terminate the contract due to the price increase and include relevant account details. It’s crucial to retain a copy of the cancellation notice for personal records.
Customers should also be aware of the potential for promotional offers from other providers during this transition period. Many providers offer incentives, such as discounted installation fees or bonus credits, to attract new customers. Carefully evaluating these offers can further maximize potential savings.
The Broader Context: Germany’s Digital Infrastructure
This price increase comes amidst ongoing efforts to modernize Germany’s digital infrastructure. The German government has set ambitious targets for expanding fiber optic coverage across the country, recognizing the importance of high-speed internet for economic growth and social inclusion. Investments in fiber infrastructure are crucial for supporting emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing.
The transition to fiber optic technology is not without its challenges. Deployment costs can be significant, particularly in rural areas, and the process can be disruptive to residents. However, the long-term benefits of a robust fiber network – including faster speeds, greater reliability, and increased capacity – are widely recognized.
Telekom’s decision to increase prices for DSL customers can be seen as a strategic move to accelerate the migration to fiber optic technology. By making DSL less attractive, the company is incentivizing customers to upgrade to newer, more profitable plans. This aligns with the broader industry trend of prioritizing investments in next-generation networks.
Key Takeaways:
- Deutsche Telekom is increasing prices by €2 per month for customers on older DSL plans starting April 2026.
- Affected customers have the right to terminate their contracts without penalty within three months of receiving notification.
- Switching to a fiber optic connection or a different provider can potentially save money and improve internet speed.
- Verivox and other comparison portals can help customers find the best internet deals.
Customers are encouraged to review their current contracts and explore available options to ensure they are receiving the best possible value for their internet service. The German telecommunications market is competitive, and there are numerous providers vying for customers’ business. Staying informed and proactive is key to navigating these changes and securing a favorable outcome.
The next step for affected customers is to await official notification from Deutsche Telekom detailing the specific price increase and their individual options. Keep an eye on your email and postal mail for this communication. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they turn into available.
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