Internet & Mobile in Germany
Get connected without getting trapped in the wrong contract.
A practical guide for expats: home internet, fibre, DSL, cable, 5G home internet, mobile plans, prepaid SIMs, eSIM, roaming, number portability and contract pitfalls in Germany.
Quick overview
In Germany, your address decides more than the advertising.
The best provider on paper may be weak at your specific apartment. Before signing anything, check availability for your exact address, expected speed, installation date, router costs, contract length and cancellation rules.
For newcomers, the safest setup is often: prepaid or monthly mobile first, then home internet once your housing situation is stable.
Home internet
Your main connection options.
DSL / VDSL
Common and widely available. Good for many households, but actual speed can depend on the line and distance to the cabinet.
Cable internet
Often fast for downloads and streaming. Performance may vary in the evening if many households share the local cable segment.
Fibre
Best long-term option where available. Check whether it is real fibre to the home or only fibre to a nearby cabinet.
5G / LTE home internet
Useful as a bridge or when fixed-line internet is weak. Check data limits, indoor signal and router placement carefully.
Setup process
Do these checks before ordering home internet.
Internet activation can take time, especially if a technician appointment, fibre construction or previous tenant line release is needed. Plan early and keep mobile data as a backup.
Mobile plans
Choose flexibility first, extras second.
Prepaid SIM
Good for arrival, students, short stays or anyone who wants cost control. You can switch later once you know your real data needs.
Monthly contract
Often a good balance for expats: more data than prepaid, less commitment than a classic long-term contract.
24-month contract
Can be attractive with a phone subsidy or high data volume, but only if you are sure you will stay and the network works where you live.
eSIM
Convenient for newer phones and dual-SIM use. Useful when keeping your home-country number while adding a German plan.
Networks & providers
The logo is not the only thing that matters.
Germany has national network operators and many discount brands or resellers. A cheaper brand may use the same underlying network, but speed, 5G access, roaming conditions and customer service can differ.
Roaming
EU roaming is useful, but not unlimited travel insurance for your phone bill.
EU / EEA travel
German mobile plans can usually be used across the EU/EEA under roam-like-at-home rules, subject to fair-use limits.
Outside the EU
Costs can be high. Check travel packs before departure or use a local SIM, travel eSIM or Wi-Fi calling where suitable.
Border regions
Near borders, your phone may connect to a foreign network. Check roaming settings if you live or travel near Switzerland, the UK or other non-EU areas.
Contract check
The cheapest headline price is rarely the full story.
German internet and mobile contracts often look simple on comparison sites, but the details matter: activation, hardware, minimum term, price after promotion, cancellation process and moving rules.
Switching & cancellation
Switch providers without losing your connection.
Do not cancel too early
For fixed-line internet, let the new provider coordinate the switch where possible to reduce downtime.
Keep your number
Mobile number portability is common. Request it before switching and make sure your personal data matches exactly.
Document problems
If speed or reliability is poor, collect evidence with recognised measurements before asking for a reduction or special cancellation.
Save confirmations
Keep order confirmations, cancellation confirmations, router return receipts and contract summaries.
Expat checklist
Your first 30 days connection plan.
A simple sequence that avoids signing the wrong long-term contract before you know your address, commute and real usage.
Next step
Before you sign, compare the real cost over 24 months.
Add the monthly fee, router rental, activation, shipping, price increases after promotions and cancellation flexibility. The best deal is the one that works at your address and still fits your life six months from now.