The mobile communications group Vodafone in Germany has been increasing the prices for Internet connections for existing customers since May. The Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (vzbv), the federal association of German consumer centers, considers these price increases to be illegal and is now taking action against them.
The association is considering a class action lawsuit in order to ensure that consumers only have to pay the contractually agreed prices and that overpayments are reimbursed. Those affected are called upon to contact the vzbv using an online form.
Flat Rate Increases
Since March, Vodafone has been writing to its cable and DSL customers to inform them of the price increase. All customers who concluded their contract before November 15, 2022 are affected, Vodafone confirmed to heise online.
According to the vzbv Those affected report price increases, for example from EUR 27.99 to EUR 32.99 or from EUR 32.99 to EUR 37.99 per month. In individual cases, the annual additional costs are 60 euros. Vodafone justifies the increase, among other things, with the increase in energy prices for operating the networks and points out that customers could cancel if they do not accept the price increase.
Vodafone has around 10.7 million fixed-line customers in Germany. The company has been losing fixed-line customers continuously for a year, with 39,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Fixed-network sales are also declining slightly.
Consumer Central Association is considering lawsuit
The vzbv considers the price increases to be inadmissible. According to the association, this also applies to the general terms and conditions, which are intended to allow Vodafone to proceed. The consequence is that consumers could object to the price increases.
The vzbv is now calling on those affected to report their case online. If enough affected Vodafone customers report and he was able to examine specific cases, the association can, according to its own statements, take action against Vodafone.
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