New rules for the right to a reduction in internet contracts - what does this mean for consumers? Expert explains

New rules for the right to a reduction in internet contracts - what does this mean for consumers? Expert explains

According to a report by www.fr.de,

Internet companies have come under fire because, according to consumer advocates, they often fail to keep their contractual promises. The Federal Network Agency has presented a key points paper for the extension of the right of reduction to mobile communications, which, however, has been sharply criticized by consumer advocates. The rules for the right to reduce the price are disappointing, said Ramona Pop, board member of the Federal Consumer Association (vzbv), in Berlin.

The right to reduce internet contracts has existed since the end of last year, but so far it only applies to landline connections. With the broadband measurement.de measuring tool, consumers can obtain a reduction in their monthly payments if the actual performance deviates significantly from the contractually guaranteed value.

The Federal Network Agency now wants to extend the reduction right to mobile communications, but is encountering difficulties because there are no specific connections for mobile communications and demand fluctuates greatly. The proposed specifications for the measurement tool are criticized by consumer advocates as inadequate and difficult to implement.

According to the Federal Network Agency's key points paper, at least 25 percent of the estimated maximum transmission value must be achieved in urban areas, 15 percent in semi-urban areas and 10 percent in rural areas. Consumers must carry out a total of 30 measurements over five calendar days in order to assert their claim for reduction.

The consumer advice center demands that the tests not only reach 10 to 25 percent, but 90 percent of the contractually guaranteed maximum bandwidth. In addition, a differentiation between urban and rural areas is rejected, as this would contradict the approach of nationwide mobile internet coverage.

The Internet industry association VATM, on the other hand, warns against excessive requirements and points out that the network operator has only limited influence on the utilization of a radio cell. Mobile phone coverage can vary depending on location and situation, which is why it is not possible to provide the maximum bandwidth everywhere.

According to the key points paper, the Federal Network Agency will present a draft general decree in the next few months, which will be decided after a consultation phase with market participants. It will still be a while before consumers can use the mobile phone measurement tool for their reduction claim. The planned regulations and the criticism of them show that the introduction of the right to a reduction in mobile communications still brings with it some challenges.