When switching provider: at most one working day without internet
In brief
Home internet comes via the telephone line (DSL), the cable network, fibre (Glasfaser) or the mobile network. What is available depends on your address. Contracts often run for 24 months, so it pays to know what you sign.
This page explains terms and steps. We do not advise you which provider or tariff to choose; the decision is yours.
Compare internet tariffs
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The calculator is in German because a German partner provides it. The German terms in the table “What to prepare” will help you fill it in.
What to prepare
| Information | German term |
|---|---|
| Exact connection address | Anschlussadresse |
| Current provider and customer number | Kundennummer |
| Contract end and notice period | Kündigungsfrist |
| Landline number you want to keep | Rufnummernmitnahme |
| How many devices and what you use the internet for | — |
What to look at
- Price over the full term. The first months are often cheaper. Add up all months, the connection fee and router rental.
- Term. The first term may be up to 24 months (1).
- After renewal. If the contract renews automatically, you can cancel with one month’s notice (1).
- Router. Since 1 August 2016 you may use your own router; the provider must give you the access data unasked and free of charge (2).
Steps
- Check the contract end and notice period.
- Fill in the comparison in the calculator below. You enter the data yourself.
- Before you sign, the provider must give you a contract summary in text form (1). Read the term, price and speed.
- Arrange a technician appointment if needed.
- After connection, measure the speed with the Bundesnetzagentur’s Breitbandmessung tool (1)(3).
- Keep the order confirmation, contract summary and measurement results.
Your rights in brief
- When switching, the service may be interrupted for at most one working day. For each further day you are entitled to 20% of the monthly fee, at least 10 euros (1).
- For an outage, compensation starts on the third calendar day after you report it: days 3 and 4 10% of the monthly fee, at least 5 euros; from day 5 20%, at least 10 euros (1).
- If you do not get the agreed speed and prove it with Breitbandmessung, you can reduce the price or cancel without notice (1).
- When moving: if the service is not available at the new address, you can cancel with one month’s notice (1).
Please note
This page provides general information and points to a comparison. We do not advise and do not recommend any specific provider or tariff. You fill in the comparison yourself and conclude the contract directly with the provider. If you sign a contract through the comparison, we may receive a commission. Comparisons do not cover every provider on the market.
Sources (checked 6 October 2026, in German)
- Verbraucherzentrale – Wichtige Kundenrechte für Telefon-, Handy- und Internetverträge (Stand 17.04.2026)
- Verbraucherzentrale – Internetrouter wechseln (Stand 16.07.2026)
- Bundesnetzagentur – Breitbandmessung