Admin
12-30-2014, 07:09 PM
Need an Internet connection in Germany? Here is an overview of the connectivity market to help you choose your type of connection.
Staying connected is not a major issue in Germany thanks to its developed telecommunications network. You can easily access to the internet, whether you have to perform research work or get in touch with your friends and family. You can choose among different operators which offer a variety of services at very attractive rates.
Types of connection
There are different types of connections in Germany, including PSTN, ISDN, ADSL and cable connection. RTC offers unlimited internet access and is charged according to your duration of consumption. In general, you will have to sign a monthly payment contract stipulating a fixed rate in advance for a limited or unlimited period of time, depending on your choice. RTC rates start as from € 15. As regards ISDN, it provides a connection of 64 kbps on a single line and up to 128 on a double line. Rates are rather higher.
If you prefer a broadband connection, you can choose between ADSL and cable. ADSL allows you to surf the web at up to 1536 kbps. Cable, for its part, also offers TV and other services. Rates are higher.
Smart phone and tablet users can also connect to the Internet through mobile Internet packages. Wireless or broadband internet is also quite widespread in Germany in the form of a USB key which allows you to access the internet anywhere in the country from your laptop.
Subscribing
If you already have a telephone line, connection procedures should not take long. Otherwise, visit any branch of your favorite Internet service provider with your identification documents and proof of address. Fees apply. However, you will have to be patient if you have decided to subscribe with Deutsche Telekom which is the main service provider. You could have to wait for more than two weeks.
Wi-Fi
Most bus and train stations, as well as restaurants, pubs, airports, etc., offer free or paid access to Wi-Fi. The places can easily be spotted thanks to a blue icon. The first 30 minutes of connection are free of charge. Thereafter, rates are similar to those applied by Deutsche Telekom.
Good to know:
To log on, activate the Wi-Fi option on your device (smartphone or tablet), choose the Telekom network, open your browser and enter your mobile phone number on the home page. An access code will be sent to you via SMS. You can then enter the code and enjoy the 30 minutes free Wi-Fi. For more information, visit the Bahn website.
Internet cafes
If you do not have an Internet connection at home, you can still have access in an internet cafe. You can find these in most major German cities. Some shops and call centers also offer Internet connection facilities. Connection rates usually vary according to the number of hours of use, ranging from € 1 to € 2.50 per hour. You can also subscribe if you intend to surf the Internet for more than 5 hours a day.
Staying connected is not a major issue in Germany thanks to its developed telecommunications network. You can easily access to the internet, whether you have to perform research work or get in touch with your friends and family. You can choose among different operators which offer a variety of services at very attractive rates.
Types of connection
There are different types of connections in Germany, including PSTN, ISDN, ADSL and cable connection. RTC offers unlimited internet access and is charged according to your duration of consumption. In general, you will have to sign a monthly payment contract stipulating a fixed rate in advance for a limited or unlimited period of time, depending on your choice. RTC rates start as from € 15. As regards ISDN, it provides a connection of 64 kbps on a single line and up to 128 on a double line. Rates are rather higher.
If you prefer a broadband connection, you can choose between ADSL and cable. ADSL allows you to surf the web at up to 1536 kbps. Cable, for its part, also offers TV and other services. Rates are higher.
Smart phone and tablet users can also connect to the Internet through mobile Internet packages. Wireless or broadband internet is also quite widespread in Germany in the form of a USB key which allows you to access the internet anywhere in the country from your laptop.
Subscribing
If you already have a telephone line, connection procedures should not take long. Otherwise, visit any branch of your favorite Internet service provider with your identification documents and proof of address. Fees apply. However, you will have to be patient if you have decided to subscribe with Deutsche Telekom which is the main service provider. You could have to wait for more than two weeks.
Wi-Fi
Most bus and train stations, as well as restaurants, pubs, airports, etc., offer free or paid access to Wi-Fi. The places can easily be spotted thanks to a blue icon. The first 30 minutes of connection are free of charge. Thereafter, rates are similar to those applied by Deutsche Telekom.
Good to know:
To log on, activate the Wi-Fi option on your device (smartphone or tablet), choose the Telekom network, open your browser and enter your mobile phone number on the home page. An access code will be sent to you via SMS. You can then enter the code and enjoy the 30 minutes free Wi-Fi. For more information, visit the Bahn website.
Internet cafes
If you do not have an Internet connection at home, you can still have access in an internet cafe. You can find these in most major German cities. Some shops and call centers also offer Internet connection facilities. Connection rates usually vary according to the number of hours of use, ranging from € 1 to € 2.50 per hour. You can also subscribe if you intend to surf the Internet for more than 5 hours a day.