My internet is slower than promised: what can I do in Austria?
Your contract must state the internet speed: for fixed lines the minimum, normally available, maximum and advertised speed, for mobile the estimated maximum and advertised speed. If you get less, measure it with the RTR-Netztest (certified measurement for fixed lines) and complain in writing.
Your contract states the speeds your provider promises. If the real speed falls clearly and repeatedly below them, you may be able to pay less or end the contract. A measurement with the official tool, where there is one, is the strongest proof.
📜 The rules in Austria
What you can do
Check the agreed speeds, measure with the RTR-Netztest (for fixed lines its certified measurement), send the results to your provider in writing and, if there is no solution, apply to RTR's free Schlichtungsstelle.
The details
- For fixed DSL, cable or fibre lines, the certified measurement is the basis for prima facie evidence in warranty disputes, which strengthens your position considerably. For mobile home internet (router or cube with SIM) it is not. (rtr.at)
- A certified measurement is complete after at least three measuring cycles on three different days within two weeks, with at least 18 successful single measurements. (rtr.at)
- Legal basis: under § 48 TKG 2021 RTR's measurement is the certified monitoring mechanism under Art. 4(4) Regulation (EU) 2015/2120, and its results can count as prima facie evidence. (ris.bka.gv.at)
- A persistent, substantial deviation can justify immediate termination, but this is decided case by case. Stopping payment on your own is risky: without valid grounds you owe fees until the next regular end date. (rtr.at)
RTR-GmbH – Schlichtungsstelle für Kommunikationsdienste
Free dispute resolution with phone, internet and TV providers once your written complaint to the provider has failed.
Official speed test official
RTR-Netztest – zertifizierte Messung
For fixed internet (DSL, cable, fibre) the certified measurement is the basis for prima facie evidence in warranty disputes, which strengthens your position considerably; for mobile home internet (router or cube with SIM) it is not.
🪜 Step by step
- Find the promised speedsYour contract summary lists the speeds, often as a maximum, a normally available and a minimum speed.
- Measure properlyUse a cable instead of Wi‑Fi, close other devices and measure several times on different days, with the official tool if there is one.
- Report it to the providerSend the results, ask for the problem to be fixed and keep a copy of everything you send and receive.
- Use your rightsIf nothing improves, ask for a lower price or to end the contract, and go to the dispute body if the provider refuses.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
Does a quick speed test in an app count?
It helps you spot a problem. As proof, a measurement made the way the regulator or your contract describes carries much more weight.
Does this apply to mobile internet too?
Mobile speeds change with place and network load, and the rules for mobile are often different. See the rules for Austria on this page.
Is slow Wi‑Fi the provider’s fault?
Not always. Walls, distance and old devices slow Wi‑Fi down. Measure with a cable first.
📎 Sources
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