Class action
Vodafone increased the price, now 100,000 people complain – that’s how they take part
Because vodafone unilaterally increased the price to many customers, consumer advocates are collecting a class action. Those affected can still join. The star explained how.
Is it worth going on with the internet provider for five euros? Probably not. But it’s annoying. In 2023, Vodafone sent many customers a price increase. The succinct justification: severely increased costs. Since then, the internet company has been parking five euros each month after month – the so -called basic price adjustment.
But is that also right? No, says the Federal Consumer Center (VZBV). And has submitted an action against the group against the group. In the meantime, according to the consumer advocates, 100,115 affected people have already joined the class action lawsuit.
Up to ten million households could be affected, because Vodafone has concluded so many internet contracts (DSL and cable) in Germany. The exact number is unclear. How often he actually raised the price, Vodafone wanted the star Do not reveal when asked for an action.
Who can join the lawsuit? And how good are the prospects? The star Answer the most important questions:
Which Vodafone contracts are it about?
Between March and October 2023, Vodafone sent to many of his customers who obtain the Internet via landline or TV cables. In it, the company unilaterally announced that it would increase prices. Vodafone believes that this is his right. A corresponding clause is part of the terms and conditions. However, the VZBV sees it differently: The price adjustment clauses are “inappropriately disadvantageous and non -transparent”. Consumer advocates with companies have already processed several times for such clauses. The result: Basically, 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 complain against Vodafone?
All consumers who have received a general price increase from Vodafone 2023 can participate. According to the VZBV, the increase was usually five euros. However, other amounts could have been levied. The amount on the monthly invoice is often found as a “basic price adjustment”.
Internet contracts via landline and TV cable are affected, but not for fiber optic. The class action is only for consumers – independent and small companies cannot agree. Customers who have renegotiated the contract after the price increase with Vodafone are also excluded in order to get a higher data rate. Because then there is approval for the new price.
How do those affected act?
The consumer advocates have put an online with which customers can check whether their case also fits the class action lawsuit. If you can join, you will receive precise information and wording suggestions for the entry in the so -called at the Federal Office of Justice at the end of the action check. Anyone who imagines there is automatically part of the class action lawsuit.
In the best case, what does the lawsuit come out?
The class action is negotiated before the Hamm Higher Regional Court. If the court follows consumer advocates, Vodafone would have to repay 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 is unchanged.
Is there a risk?
Anyone who follows the class lawsuit has no costs. Not even in the event of a defeat. It would be possible for Vodafone to terminate the contract with customers who join the lawsuit. In view of the number of those affected, however, this is rather unlikely.
What does Vodafone say?
The group is silent about the extent of the price increases. One does not want to comment on a “floating procedure” for competitive reasons. However, the internet provider defends the new prices with the fact that “the majority of all German companies have increased its prizes due to inflation”. In addition, the price increase “moderately” failed. “We have included the legal requirements for this in our terms and conditions,” said Vodafone.
Are there any other collecting lawsuits?
The VZBV does not only proceed against Vodafone. For example, he also considers the price increases of the sports streaming provider DAZN for existing customers from 2021 and 2022. In 2022, the monthly price for the subscription increased significantly from 14.99 to 29.99 euros. Here too.
Also . This complaint from the Saxony Consumer Center has already been over.
The Federal Consumer Center is very satisfied with the development: “The high level of participation shows how important the instrument of the class action is,” says VZBV director Ramona Pop. “Because of a price increase of five euros a month, many people would certainly not go to court themselves.”
Note: This article was published and updated in May 2024 after it was known that 100,000 people have now joined the lawsuit.
Source: Stern
