Consumer advocates Rügen Telekom: Throttles despite Unlimited tariffs

Consumer advocates Rügen Telekom: Throttles despite Unlimited tariffs

Telekom solves trouble with contract customers with throttling

Deutsche Telekom is criticized for a throttling of the internet speed, which primarily affects users of "Unlimited" tariffs. Despite the fact that these tariffs promise unlimited data volume, numerous customers experience restrictions that were not predictable. Consumer advocates express concerns about the company's practices that could contradict network neutrality.

In recent years, competition in the German Telecommunications market has intensified. Numerous providers are available, and the tariffs have developed, especially since the introduction of stable mobile networks in the 2000s. However, customers increasingly have to deal with challenges in relation to the availability and quality of the data connections, which is partly due to increasing costs and network overloads.

regulations and throttling practices

The EU has introduced measures to ensure the quality of telecommunications services, including the 2015/2120 regulation, which regulates access to the open internet. However, this regulation enables mobile phone providers to introduce throttling measures for network stabilization under certain conditions. In some regions, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia, this has already led to serious network disorders.

affected customers and their challenges

customers who use a SIM card in a router are particularly affected. A significant increase in throttles has been determined since April 2025, whereby customers have to accept restrictions solely on the basis of the serial number of their devices. Technically related overloads often result in slow loading times, especially during peak times, which significantly impairs the user experience.

legal steps and consumer rights

The Federal Consumer Center has asked Telekom to rethink current practices because they potentially violate the network neutrality. Customers who suffer from throttling have the right to a special right of termination and should be able to end a corresponding contract. Experts recommend setting the provider to remedy the problems to enable smooth transition.

The situation around the throttling at Telekom raises serious questions about fairness in the German mobile phone market. The reactions of consumers show that clear communication and greater protection of user rights are decisive in order to maintain trust in the providers.