Telekom, Vodafone oder O2
Mobile network test: Germany’s mobile phone networks in check
November 21, 2024 – 12:44 p.mReading time: 3 min.
A current network test shows which provider offers the best mobile network in Germany. The result shows clear winners, but also reveals weaknesses.
Deutsche Telekom has defended its top spot for the best mobile network in Germany. This is shown by the extensive network test 2024/25 by the specialist magazine “Chip”, which was carried out together with “Net Check”. With an overall grade of 1.2, Telekom is ahead of Vodafone (1.4) and Telefónica/O2 (1.6). For the test, measurement technology teams covered a total of around 11,000 kilometers by car, train and on foot. In addition, data from almost two million smartphones were evaluated.
All three providers were particularly successful in terms of network coverage: over 99 percent of all calls were connected successfully. The availability of LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G in the country is also above the 99 percent mark.
5G will become the standard
While LTE coverage is good across the board, 5G is becoming more and more the standard. According to the test, there is a clear dichotomy: network operators often offer 5G with a low bandwidth in large areas, while in metropolitan areas they offer ultra-fast 5G in the 3.6 GHz band.
Here, Telefónica was sometimes even able to outperform Telekom regionally. For example, in Fürth, Bavaria, O2 achieved 5G availability on 3.6 GHz of 90.2 percent, Telekom achieved 74.5 percent (Vodafone 61.7 percent). Nationwide, Telekom is further ahead when it comes to fast 5G.
However, the network quality on trains remains a major problem. The O2 network was particularly affected here, where poor voice quality was found in around 8.4 percent of all telephone calls – at Telekom it was 3.2 percent and at Vodafone 4.1 percent. O2 also performed worse than the competition when it came to data downloads on the train: only just under 89 percent of the downloads were successful.
For comparison: At Telekom this success rate was almost 97 percent and at Vodafone it was around 94 percent. Even if the railway is planning improvements with new windows and wants to build its own transmission towers along the routes, there is still a lot to do here.
When it comes to data transmission, there are sometimes clear differences between providers. While all networks easily achieve 2 Mbit/s downloads, things are different at higher speeds.
the network test by “Chip” and “Net Check” confirms that the German mobile networks are developing well. Germany’s cell phone networks are becoming more and more reliable and powerful, and nationwide basic service is guaranteed – 5G is becoming the standard. Even though Deutsche Telekom is once again the clear winner, Vodafone and O2 are catching up in many areas.
Nevertheless, there is still a need for optimization – especially in trains and in the expansion of ultra-fast 5G across the board. It is also worth taking a closer look at the regional results for customers, as the network quality can vary depending on the location.
– How does the quality of 5G coverage vary between urban and rural areas in Germany?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Mobile Network Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re delving into the latest mobile network test results in Germany. Joining us is Dr. Klaus Meyer, a telecommunications expert who has extensively researched mobile network performance. Klaus, thanks for being here.
Dr. Meyer: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Editor: The recent tests conducted by “Chip” magazine revealed that Deutsche Telekom continues to dominate the mobile network market in Germany with an impressive grade of 1.2. What factors do you think contribute to their success?
Dr. Meyer: Telekom’s success can be attributed to several factors, including their extensive investment in infrastructure and technology. They have focused on expanding their network coverage and increasing the availability of high-speed 5G services. Moreover, their strategic approach to optimizing operational efficiency plays a significant role in maintaining high-quality service.
Editor: Speaking of 5G, the report suggests that while LTE coverage is robust, 5G is becoming the standard. What does this mean for consumers in Germany?
Dr. Meyer: It means that consumers can expect faster and more reliable connections, especially in urban areas. However, as the report indicates, there’s a disparity in the quality of 5G coverage. In larger areas, customers might experience lower bandwidth, while urban zones boast ultra-fast 5G. It’s crucial for consumers to understand the varied experiences they may encounter based on their location.
Editor: You mentioned that Telefónica, under the O2 brand, has been competitive in certain regional markets despite overall lower scores. Could you elaborate on that?
Dr. Meyer: Absolutely. In places like Fürth, Bavaria, O2 has achieved impressive 5G availability figures, outperforming Telekom in that specific area. This competitive edge shows that, while Telekom holds the overall title, regional players like O2 can excel in localized markets, thereby benefiting consumers who are looking for strong network performance.
Editor: The testing also highlighted significant issues, particularly with voice quality on trains. O2 struggled with a reported 8.4% failure rate in call quality. How critical is this issue for users?
Dr. Meyer: It’s a major concern, especially for frequent travelers. Poor voice quality can lead to frustrating experiences for users who rely on seamless connectivity during commutes. Such performance issues might drive consumers to favor networks that guarantee better reliability, even potentially affecting customer loyalty.
Editor: Looking ahead, what should consumers consider when choosing their mobile network provider based on these findings?
Dr. Meyer: Consumers should evaluate their specific needs—whether they prioritize unlimited data access, call quality, or 5G availability. Moreover, they should consider their geographic location, as network performance can vary dramatically from one area to another. It’s also wise to observe how networks follow up on performance issues, as this reflects their commitment to improving service quality.
Editor: Thank you, Klaus! It’s clear the mobile network landscape in Germany is evolving rapidly. Any final thoughts for our readers?
Dr. Meyer: It’s essential for consumers to stay informed and periodically reassess their options. With ongoing advancements in technology and network infrastructure, new developments could significantly enhance user experiences. Keeping an eye on both coverage maps and user reviews can lead to better-informed choices.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Meyer, for your insights! We appreciate you joining us to unpack these important findings in mobile network testing.
Dr. Meyer: Thank you for having me!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to Time.news. Stay connected for the latest in technology and telecommunications updates!