Slow Internet: When to Allow Consumers to Cut Their Payments

The Federal Network Agency has laid down rules on the basis of which consumers can reduce their monthly payments if the fixed-line internet is poor.

In an order for the new reduction law, it says that consumers have to carry out a total of 30 tests on three different calendar days, as the regulatory authority announced in Bonn on Wednesday.

The consumers have to use the desktop app “Breitbandmess.de” and a LAN cable.

The new reduction law significantly strengthens the consumer's position vis-à-vis the supplier.

From December 13th, the desktop app can be used with the new specifications.

Internet tariffs contain a product information sheet in which the provider specifies the maximum and minimum transmission speeds as well as the data rate normally available.

From the point of view of consumer advocates, companies sometimes promise too much in their advertising.

The right of reduction could lead to Internet providers giving more realistic information or showing more commitment to improve Internet connections, so the hope of consumer advocates.