Can I cancel my mobile phone contract in Austria?
Yes — you may cancel your phone contract, within its terms. The minimum term may, under the Telecommunications Act, be at most 24 months (a full 24 months only with a genuine benefit, e.g. a subsidised handset). In the extension phase, the notice period is capped at 1 month to month-end. On a unilateral price increase, § 57 grants a special cancellation right: you may cancel free of charge and without the remaining term if you object in time. A planned price change must be announced 3 months in advance, and you keep your number. In short: yes — normally after notice, on a price increase at once and free.
📋 The rules
- Minimum term at most 24 months
- Extension: notice period max 1 month
- Price increase: special cancellation right (§ 57)
- Price change announced 3 months ahead
- Keep your number (number portability)
🔓 Exceptions
- No special right for an agreed index/CPI adjustment
- Request number portability before the contract ends
- A full 24-month tie-in only with a genuine benefit
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If you cancel a fixed-term contract early without a special right, the provider can charge the remaining-term fees. With a valid § 57 special cancellation right (a genuine price increase), you pay nothing for the unexpired term. Beware a myth: "once I'm in a 24-month contract I can never get out early" is false — any unilateral, non-index price increase triggers a free special cancellation right. Tip: request number portability before finally ending the old contract, or you lose the number.
📎 Official sources
- RTR · telecom contracts →
- Chamber of Labour · phone and internet →
- konsumentenfragen.at · ending a contract →
❓ Frequently asked
How long can a phone contract bind me?
The minimum term may, under the Telecommunications Act, be at most 24 months. A full 24-month tie-in is only allowed if you get a genuine benefit, such as a subsidised phone. In the subsequent extension phase the notice period is capped at one month.
How do I cancel correctly?
An ordinary cancellation must reach the provider before the minimum term ends, often with a three-month deadline before the end. If you don't cancel in time, the contract rolls into the monthly-cancellable phase. Best cancel in writing and with proof.
Can I cancel on a price increase?
Yes. On a unilateral price increase, § 57 grants a special cancellation right. You can cancel free of charge and without paying the remaining term if you object within the deadline. The condition is that it's a genuine increase.
Does this apply to index adjustments?
No. If the price increase is based on an index or consumer-price-index clause already agreed in the original contract, there's no special cancellation right. Only a unilateral increase outside such a clause triggers the free cancellation right.
Do I keep my number?
Yes. Through number portability you can take your number to the new provider. It's important to request the port before you finally end the old contract, otherwise the number can be lost.
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