Global Major Cities Guide

Key information on how to set up mobile phone services and internet connections, including prepaid and contract options.

Sections

1. Overview of Mobile and Internet Providers in Berlin

Berlin, as the capital of Germany, offers a wide range of mobile and internet providers catering to different budgets and needs. The market is competitive, with options for both long-term contracts and flexible prepaid plans. Providers generally offer good network coverage and reliable internet speeds, but it’s important to choose based on your specific requirements.

2. Mobile Providers in Berlin

The mobile market in Germany is dominated by three major network operators, with several smaller providers (MVNOs) using their infrastructure.

Major Network Operators

Telekom (T-Mobile)
- Network Quality: Best network coverage and speed in Germany, including Berlin.
- Plans: Offers both contract (postpaid) and prepaid options.
- Costs:
  - Contract plans: Start at €30–€50/month for 10–20 GB of data.
  - Prepaid: €10–€20/month for 3–5 GB of data.
- Customer Service: High-quality service, but slightly more expensive.
- Website: www.telekom.de
Vodafone
- Network Quality: Excellent coverage and speed, second only to Telekom.
- Plans: Contract and prepaid options available.
- Costs:
  - Contract plans: €25–€40/month for 10–20 GB of data.
  - Prepaid: €10–€15/month for 3–5 GB of data.
- Customer Service: Reliable, with English-speaking support available.
- Website: www.vodafone.de
O2 (Telefónica)
- Network Quality: Good coverage in urban areas like Berlin, but weaker in rural areas.
- Plans: Known for affordable pricing and flexible contracts.
- Costs:
  - Contract plans: €20–€30/month for 10–20 GB of data.
  - Prepaid: €10–€15/month for 3–5 GB of data.
- Customer Service: Decent, but wait times can be longer.
- Website: www.o2online.de

Smaller Providers (MVNOs)

These providers use the networks of the major operators and often offer cheaper plans:

Aldi Talk (uses Telefónica/O2 network): Popular for prepaid plans starting at €7.99/month for 3 GB.
Congstar (uses Telekom network): Affordable prepaid and contract options starting at €10/month.
1&1 (uses Vodafone and Telefónica networks): Competitive pricing for contracts starting at €20/month.
Lebara: Focuses on international calls, with prepaid plans starting at €10/month.

3. Internet Providers in Berlin

Berlin has a well-developed broadband infrastructure, with options for DSL, cable, and fiber-optic internet. The main providers are:

Major Internet Providers

Telekom
- Services: DSL and fiber-optic internet.
- Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps (fiber).
- Costs: €30–€60/month depending on speed.
- Contract Options: Typically 24 months, but some flexible plans are available.
- Website: www.telekom.de
Vodafone
- Services: Cable and DSL internet.
- Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps (cable).
- Costs: €30–€50/month.
- Contract Options: 24 months, with some month-to-month options.
- Website: www.vodafone.de
1&1
- Services: DSL and fiber-optic internet.
- Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps.
- Costs: €20–€50/month.
- Contract Options: Flexible contracts available.
- Website: www.1und1.de
PYUR
- Services: Cable internet.
- Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps.
- Costs: €20–€40/month.
- Contract Options: Flexible contracts starting at 3 months.
- Website: www.pyur.com

4. Setting Up Mobile and Internet Services

Mobile Services

Prepaid Plans:
- Purchase a SIM card at supermarkets (e.g., Aldi, Lidl), electronics stores (e.g., MediaMarkt, Saturn), or provider stores.
- Activate the SIM card online or in-store. You’ll need to verify your identity (see below).
- Top up credit via apps, online, or at retail locations.
Contract Plans:
- Visit a provider’s store or website to sign up.
- Contracts typically require a German bank account (IBAN) for direct debit payments.

Internet Services

Choose a Provider:
- Compare plans online or visit a provider’s store.
- Check availability of DSL, cable, or fiber at your address using the provider’s website.
Sign Up:
- Contracts are usually signed online or in-store.
- Installation may require a technician visit, which can take 1–2 weeks to schedule.

Required Documents:

Passport or valid ID.
Proof of address (e.g., Anmeldung, the mandatory German registration document).
German bank account details (for contracts).

5. Costs and Budgeting

Mobile: Prepaid plans start at €10/month, while contracts range from €20–€50/month.
Internet: Plans range from €20–€60/month, depending on speed and provider.
Installation Fees: Internet providers may charge a one-time setup fee of €50–€100.

6. Local Tips and Considerations

Network Coverage:
- Telekom has the best coverage, followed by Vodafone and O2. If you plan to travel outside Berlin, prioritize Telekom or Vodafone.
- For urban use, O2 and MVNOs like Aldi Talk are cost-effective.
Language Barrier:
- Many providers offer English-speaking customer service, but smaller MVNOs may not. Look for providers with multilingual support if needed.
Flexibility:
- If you’re staying short-term, opt for prepaid plans or internet providers like PYUR that offer flexible contracts.
Bundled Deals:
- Some providers (e.g., Vodafone, Telekom) offer discounts if you bundle mobile and internet services.
Registration (Anmeldung):
- You’ll need your Anmeldung to sign up for most contracts. If you haven’t registered yet, stick to prepaid options.
EU Roaming:
- All German mobile plans include free EU roaming, so you can use your data and minutes across the EU without extra charges.
Public Wi-Fi:
- Berlin has free Wi-Fi hotspots in many public areas, such as train stations and libraries. Use these to save on mobile data.

7. Choosing the Best Option

For Short-Term Visitors: Prepaid plans from Aldi Talk or Lebara are affordable and easy to set up.
For Long-Term Residents: Consider a contract with Telekom or Vodafone for reliable service and better perks.
For Budget-Conscious Users: MVNOs like Congstar or 1&1 offer competitive pricing without compromising quality.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to choose and set up mobile and internet services in Berlin. Let me know if you need further assistance!