Internet telephony from 2018: what you need to know now

Deutsche Telekom plans to abolish analog telephone connections throughout Germany by 2018 and switch to Voice over IP (VoIP), i.e. Internet telephony. This means that voice transmission will work via the internet protocol. Around 20 million lines will be affected. But what does the change actually mean for consumers?

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via Anna-Lisa
11/02/2016, 15:46
Bis 2018 stellt die Telekom ihre Anschlüsse um© iStock
Deutsche Telekom will convert all analog lines by 2018

Who is affected by the switch to Internet Telephone

All Telekom customers with older, combined telephone and Internet contracts or ISDN connections are affected by the changeover. They will usually receive a letter informing them of the planned switch to Internet telephony. You are not obliged to take out a new contract immediately. As long as your old contract is still valid, you can also obtain offers from other providers. However, companies such as 1&1 or Kabel Deutschland now only offer IP telephony. If you don't decide at all, Deutsche Telekom can cancel your contract.

Why the switch to Internet telephony is being made

The changeover is efficient for the company: data transmission for Internet, television and telephone will then only work via a standardized system. This saves costs and capacity. Better voice quality is also promised. However, this also depends on the technology used by the other party and the devices used. If you want to buy a new phone, you should therefore make sure that the device supports HD Voice. You can also find a decision-making aid at www.test.de/telefone

What are the disadvantages of online calling?

You will need a new Internet router for the changeover. You can rent one from Deutsche Telekom (from 2.50 euros/month) or buy one. The latter can also be purchased from another provider such as Fritzbox. However, you will have to install it yourself. If you can't do it yourself and need a technician, you will have to pay an extra 50 to 100 euros.
Tip: Negotiate in advance! Long-term customers receive a credit note.

Important to know: There is only one line for telephone and Internet, the telephone is connected to the router. This means, for example, that you cannot disconnect it from the network overnight to save electricity - because then the landline will no longer work. Telephoning is also no longer possible if there is a fault on the Internet line.

If you only have a telephone or an ISDN connection without Internet, nothing will change for you. The technical changeover takes place in the background. Please note: If you want to continue using ISDN devices (fax, telephone) after the changeover of a combined telephone and Internet connection, you must specify this before the changeover, as you will then need a new router with an ISDN adapter for your end devices.

What else will change

You will now receive several telephone numbers for one connection at no extra cost. It will only be more expensive for you if you increase the data speed (e.g. from 16 to 50 MBit/s). The Magenta at home M connection with 50 MBit/s, for example, costs approx. 35 euros.