‘We regularly adjust the minimum coverage. It's like the minimum wage: most people have more, but nobody should fall below it. Even if it is a lower limit, it can improve the use of internet and online services both privately and professionally. The higher values will help to promote digital participation in Germany,’ explains Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency. ‘We will continue to critically review and adapt the requirements in the future.’
In addition to individual households, multi-person households in particular will benefit from the adjustments, as they offer higher performance and flexibility - whether for video conferencing, online learning or the simultaneous use of several end devices. Due to the increased requirements, the monthly price for the basic service will be adjusted. In future, it will be around 35 euros per month.
Evaluation and review of the minimum standards
In its review report on the evaluation of the minimum requirements for the provision of telecommunications services, the Federal Network Agency analysed several expert opinions in May 2024. They were intended to review the performance of possible transmission technologies and recognise the reality of people's lives with regard to social, economic and digital participation.
In light of the legally defined criteria to be applied when setting a lower limit, the Federal Network Agency ultimately recommended raising the parameters for a faster internet access service and prepared the corresponding amendment ordinance. Agreement on this was reached promptly with the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs and the Digital Committee of the German Bundestag. The Federal Network Agency will review the existing procedures for enforcing the minimum coverage in accordance with the new requirements.
Right to the provision of telecommunications services
According to the Telecommunications Act, every citizen has had a legal right to a minimum supply of voice communication and a fast internet access service for appropriate social and economic participation since December 2021. The parameters for minimum coverage are regularly reviewed and evaluated by the Federal Network Agency. People for whom no minimum service is available can contact the Federal Network Agency.
Further information on minimum telecommunications coverage can be found on the Federal Network Agency's website at www.bundesnetzagentur.de/rasi.
The expert reports in preparation for the evaluation of the minimum requirements for the provision of telecommunications services were drawn up by WIK-Consult and zafaco GmbH.