Switch phone or internet provider in Germany

The short answer

The new provider leads the switch and the old one must keep you connected until the switch is complete. Your service may be interrupted for at most one working day (§ 59 TKG).

Switching is mostly paperwork: the network stays where it is, only the company that provides your service changes. Who arranges the switch and how long the service may be down depends on the rules in Germany.

Official source: gesetze-im-internet.de · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Germany

The details

Let the new provider cancel your old contract for you, so both can coordinate. Start early, ideally about three months before your contract ends; name, address, date of birth and number must match at both providers. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
After your contract ends and until the switch, the old provider may bill only half the agreed connection fees, per day, unless you caused the delay. The new provider may charge you only once the switch has succeeded. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
If your service is down for more than one working day, the old provider owes you €10 or 20% of the monthly fee, whichever is higher, for each further working day, unless you caused the delay. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
If the old or new provider misses an agreed technician or installation appointment, that provider owes you €10 or 20% of the monthly fee, whichever is higher, per missed appointment. (gesetze-im-internet.de)

Bundesnetzagentur – Kundenschutz Telekommunikation

If a switch goes wrong, report it with the contact form; have your order and cancellation confirmations, customer numbers and the start of the interruption ready.

📞 0228 14 15 16 🔗 bundesnetzagentur.de

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-10-14

Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation der Bundesnetzagentur

Free out-of-court settlement of disputes with your provider, after you have raised your claim with it.

🔗 bundesnetzagentur.de

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-10-14

Compare offers

We found no official, state-run price comparison for phone and internet in Germany.

🪜 Step by step

Check your current contractFind the end of the minimum term, the notice period and any exit fee. They are in your contract summary or online account.
Compare offersLook at the total cost over the whole term: set-up fees, equipment, and the price after any discount period ends.
Sign with the new providerSay whether you want to keep your number. Ask the new provider whether it arranges the switch and the end of your old contract.
Return equipment and check the final billSend back rented equipment if you are asked to, keep proof of it, and check that the old provider stops charging you.

📇 Who to contact

Bundesnetzagentur – Kundenschutz TelekommunikationIf a switch goes wrong, report it with the contact form; have your order and cancellation confirmations, customer numbers and the start of the interruption ready.📞 0228 14 15 16 🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/TK/start.html

Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation der BundesnetzagenturFree out-of-court settlement of disputes with your provider, after you have raised your claim with it.🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/Schlichtung/Schlichtung_TK/start.html

BundesnetzagenturSupervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules📞 0228 14 15 16 🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/TK/start.html

VerbraucherzentraleIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.verbraucherzentrale.de

❓ Questions

Will I be without phone or internet when I switch?

There can be a short break on the switching day. Ask both providers for the planned date, and see the rules for Germany on this page.

Can I switch before my contract ends?

Yes, but while the minimum term is still running you may have to pay an exit fee or the remaining monthly charges. Check your contract summary first.

Do I have to cancel the old contract myself?

That depends on the service and the rules in Germany. Ask the new provider and keep written confirmation of the end date.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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🔄 How do I switch my phone or internet provider in Germany?