Is my copper phone line being switched off in Germany, and what happens to my contract?
Copper (DSL) networks are being replaced by fibre step by step, region by region. There is no fixed national switch-off date, and switching is voluntary for now. The old network is switched off only where an equivalent alternative exists.
Many countries are replacing old copper phone lines with fibre. Where an official plan exists, it sets how much warning you get and what happens to your contract; the plan for Germany is below.
📜 The rules in Germany
The switch-off plan
No fixed date. Copper is switched off area by area after an application to and review by the Bundesnetzagentur, and only once all customers have had the chance to change technology.
The details
- Once many customers have switched, the copper network operator can apply to the Bundesnetzagentur to shut copper down in an area. It reviews this and sets conditions for a fair transition; customers are told in good time, address by address. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
- In the long run, customers who do not switch must expect their contract to be cancelled and the service stopped. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
- Fibre contracts have the same customer rights as other telecom contracts. You are bound for the minimum term, at most 24 months, from signing, even if fibre arrives later. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
- Cable TV connections and the TV, phone and internet services on them are not affected. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
Bundesnetzagentur – Kundenschutz Telekommunikation
Reviews switch-off applications and sets the conditions for the move from copper to fibre.
🪜 Step by step
- Find out what your line isYour contract or provider can tell you whether you are on copper, cable or fibre.
- Watch for a letterCustomers on lines that will be switched off are normally told in advance. Keep the letter.
- Compare your optionsYou may be offered fibre or another connection. Compare price, term and speed before you accept.
- Check special equipmentAlarm systems, emergency call devices and old phones may need to be adapted. Ask before the switch.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
Do I have to move to fibre?
When the copper line is switched off, you need another connection to keep your service. Which options you have depends on your address.
Does the switch cost me anything?
That depends on the plan and on the offers you get. Ask for any offer in writing.
Will my landline number still work?
Usually yes: you can normally keep your number on the new connection. Ask your provider.
📎 Sources
🧭 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.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.