Mobile Operators in Germany

Mobile operators in Germany

When you move to Germany, you first want to choose the best internet provider in Germany. However, it may feel complicated at first with all the options available. With options such as pay-as-you-go, SIM only, and monthly billed contract, you must consider your phone usage and what is the best for you. With the right choice, you can avoid paying anything extra for the services you do not need or being charged for exceeding your allowance. If you are not sure how to make the right choice, don’t fret. In this article, we will guide you and let you know about different options to help you choose the right deal.

Overview of mobile providers in Germany


Mobile provider
Specifications

 

vodafoneinternet


Vodafone is a great phone provider for SIM only because they offer fast and reliable network coverage, as well as a range of flexible plans to suit different budgets and needs. Additionally, they offer perks such as free entertainment subscriptions and discounts on devices for existing customers.

      Good price / data allowance
      Reliable network
      Different SIM only options
      ✘  No English website

 

lebara Internet logo


Lebara is a new player on the market and a great phone provider for SIM only because they offer affordable plans with generous data allowances and international calling options. Additionally, their network coverage is reliable and they have a user-friendly mobile app for managing your account.

      English website
      Transparent billing and easy payment options.
      Free number portability
      Good customer satisfacation
      ✘  Customer service can be difficult to reach

 

111 by sfr logo


1&1 is a great phone provider for SIM only because they offer affordable plans with generous data allowances. Additionally, they have excellent network coverage and customer service.

      Cheap packages (bundling available)
      5 GB-30GB packages available
      Flexible contract lengths
      ✘  Website hard to comprehend for English speaking customers
      ✘  No unlimited data

About sim-only deals

Most mobile operators in Germany provide sim-only deals where you will only get the SIM card. It differs from the mobile phone contract, where you will get a handset with minutes, data, and texts. It is the best option if you don’t want to change your phone.

With the sim only, you will be liable for a monthly charge for a fixed amount of calls, data, and texts. This option works on the one-month contract. In other words, you can change or cancel your contract every month. It is the best choice if you don’t want to commit.

It is the most cost-effective option than other types since you will only get a sim card. Many Sim-only providers in Germany do not perform a credit check. So, it is the best option if you don’t have a credit score since you must pass the credit check for the smartphone contract.

Pros and cons Of sim-only

Pros

  • Highly pocket-friendly.
  • Flexible plans.
  • Straightforward.

Cons

  • You will need your handset.
  • You don’t pay as you go.

About monthly phone contract

Many best internet provider in Germany offers phone contract. You will get a new handset and a monthly allowance of texts, data, and minutes. In this, you will get vast data, texts, and calls. Moreover, you will get many networks and rewards, and perks with a phone contract.

If you cannot afford a handset outright, paying a monthly phone contract is the best option. The cost will be spread over the contract’s length, which makes it more manageable to pay it in monthly installments. Some providers divide the amount you have to pay for the phone and the amount you will have to pay for the package. With this, the cost will fall once you complete the initial contract.

However, one downside of this process is that you can lock it into a contract that lasts for over a year to 2 years, and sometimes it is even more. Moreover, you will have to pass the credit check since mobile operators in Germany want to ensure that you can pay for the new phone.

Pros and cons of pay monthly

Pros

  • Makes phone prices manageable by stretching the cost over the contract’s length.
  • The best internet provider in Germany also offers rewards and incentives with pay monthly phone contracts.

Cons

  • It is more costly than if you have bought a handset outright.
  • Less flexibility.
  • Needs you to pass a credit check.

About pay-as-you-go

With this deal, you will only have to pay for the data, texts, and minutes you use. There is no contract, so you will not have to pay a monthly charge, from which you can choose to top-up or end the contract whenever you want. And you will not have to pass any type of credit check.

Some providers will offer great value, such as an abundance of data, texts, and call time if you upload certain monthly amounts allowing you to use your phone, similar to a contract.

The primary difference between a pay-monthly contract and a pay-as-you-go contract is that you will not get a new phone with a pay-as-you-go. Rather, you will only top-up your current phone with the credit use.

Is pay-as-you-go affordable?

The costs depend on your phone usage and whether you already have a phone. If you are happy with your current plan and do not have much use for a mobile phone, the pay-as-you-go deal will suit you. All you need to do is top up whenever your credit is low.
However, you will have to pay for every text, minute, and data which will be more costly than if you opt for pay monthly contract or SIM-only – both offer ample allowance for reasonable prices. If you are a phone enthusiast and use your device often, you will pay more with a pay-as-you-go plan.

Pros and cons of pay-as-you-go

Pros

  • Does not need a credit check.
  • Flexible option.
  • Good option if you do not use your phone much.

Cons

  • You will need your handset

Conclusion

You can choose these different types of sim plans when buying a new sim in Germany. Germany is known for having the best mobile operators in Germany who offers cost-effective and fast services. There are many comparison sites where you can compare the different plans and choose the most appropriate one.