Because Vodafone unilaterally increased the price for many internet customers, consumer advocates are filing a class action lawsuit. Those affected can join now. The star explains how.
Is it worth fighting with the internet provider over five euros? Probably not. But it is annoying. Last year, Vodafone sent many customers a price increase. The succinct reason: sharply increased costs. Since then, the Internet company has charged those who have not canceled an additional five euros each month – the so-called base price adjustment. But is that also legal? No, says the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV). And has filed a class action lawsuit against the company.
Those affected have been able to join this lawsuit since the end of April. More than 40,000 did so in the first week. Up to ten million households could be affected, because Vodafone has taken out so many internet contracts (DSL and cable) in Germany. The exact number is unclear. Vodafone wanted to know how many times it actually raised the price star not revealed when asked.
Who can join the lawsuit? And how good are the prospects? The star answers the most important questions:
Which Vodafone contracts are involved?
Between March and October 2023, Vodafone sent letters to many of its customers who receive internet via landline or TV cable. In it, the company unilaterally announced that it would increase prices. Vodafone believes this is its right. A corresponding clause is part of the general terms and conditions. However, the VZBV sees it differently: the price adjustment clauses are “unreasonably disadvantageous and non-transparent”. Consumer advocates have already litigated with companies over such clauses several times. The result: In principle they are allowed, but there are clear legal requirements. Above all, the reason for the increase must be understandable so that the company cannot simply increase its profit margin.
Who can sue Vodafone?
All consumers who have received a general price increase letter from Vodafone in 2023 can take part. According to the VZBV, the increase was usually five euros. However, other amounts could also have been charged. The amount is often found on the monthly bill as a “base price adjustment”.
Internet contracts for landlines and TV cable are affected, but not for fiber optics. The class action lawsuit is for consumers only – self-employed people and small businesses cannot join. Also excluded are customers who renegotiated the contract with Vodafone after the price increase in order to get a higher data rate. Because then there is approval of the new price.
How do those affected proceed?
The consumer advocates have put one online that customers can use to check whether their case also fits into the class action lawsuit. Anyone who can join will receive precise information and wording suggestions at the end of the complaint check for the entry in the so-called Federal Office of Justice. Anyone who registers there is automatically part of the class action lawsuit.
What is the best outcome of the lawsuit?
The class action lawsuit is being heard at the Hamm Higher Regional Court. If the court follows the consumer advocates, then Vodafone would have to pay back the monthly five euros plus interest. In addition, the price increase would be ineffective and would not have to be paid in the future as long as the contract remains unchanged.
Is there a risk?
There are no costs to anyone who joins the class action lawsuit. Not even in the event of defeat. It would be possible for Vodafone customers who join the lawsuit to terminate the contract. However, given the number of those affected, this is rather unlikely.
What does Vodafone say?
The group is keeping quiet about the extent of the price increases. They do not want to comment on a “pending procedure, also for competitive reasons”. However, the Internet provider defends the new prices by saying that “the majority of all German companies have increased their prices due to inflation.” In addition, the price increase was “moderate”. “We have included the legal requirements for this in our general terms and conditions,” says Vodafone.
Are there any more class action lawsuits going on?
The VZBV is not only taking action against Vodafone. For example, he also considers the price increases by the sports streaming provider Dazn for existing customers from 2021 and 2022 to be illegal. In 2022 in particular, the monthly price for the subscription rose significantly from 14.99 to 29.99 euros. The Hamm Higher Regional Court has not yet accepted the class action lawsuit. Anyone who wants to take part can register at the VZBV in the “” and will be kept up to date by email.
Sources: VZBV, Vodafone
Source: Stern
