VZBZ sues Vodafone: price increase illegal?

VZBZ sues Vodafone: price increase illegal?

The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBZ) has filed a class action lawsuit against Vodafone and is demanding that customers receive back a price increase of five euros for their internet and telephone contracts. The VZBZ argues that Vodafone raised prices unilaterally, without the necessary consent of customers. For this reason, the association has filed a lawsuit with the Hamm Higher Regional Court.

Vodafone customers have the opportunity to join the class action lawsuit in order to receive a direct refund if the case is successful. The board member of the VZBZ, Ramona Pop, emphasizes that consumers could potentially get money back as a result. Similar to the case of Netflix and Spotify, where the VZBZ was successful, there is also a chance of success here.

Vodafone customers affected by a five euro price increase are encouraged to join the lawsuit. The lawsuit covers internet and telephone contracts concluded with various Vodafone subsidiaries. However, mobile phone contracts are excluded from the lawsuit.

To join the class action, Vodafone customers must provide relevant invoices and contract documents to verify whether they are eligible for a refund. As soon as customers have entered the lawsuit register of the Federal Office of Justice, they officially become part of the class action lawsuit.

It currently remains unclear whether Vodafone will have to grant customers a refund if it is successful and how much this could be. With around ten million customers affected by the price increase last year, a potential refund could be hundreds of euros per customer. Customers who have been faced with the price increase since April 2023 could receive a refund of five euros per month. In addition, consumers should also keep an eye on developments in the case of a class action lawsuit against the energy company EON in order not to miss out on possible refunds.