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Tag: germany

  • O2 Germany Clears the Way for VoIP on the Mobile Phone

    Telefónica O2 Germany opens mobile telecommunications network for Voice-over-IP services. From today, all O2 customers in Germany can use mobile internet telephony services like Skype or Fring with the current internet packs from O2. Using VoIP services will not be extra charged.

    By opening its HSPA network for VoIP use, O2 Germany becomes one of the first traditional telecom operators worldwide which allows its customers using voip-based services and the first that doesn’t charge any further fees for doing this.

    "We operate one of the most modern and most rapid mobile data networks in Europe and our customers are to experience it without limitations, no matter whether they surf, email, use instant messaging or make phone calls", says Lutz Schüler, Managing Director Marketing & Sales of Telefónica O2 Germany.

    Earlier this summer T-Mobile announced that it is to end its ban on mobile VoIP applications within its German network – but will charge customers upwards of € 9.95 per month for the service. Vodafone Germany is also to introduce VoIP tariffs later this year.

    O2 offers the customers two mobile internet flat rates: Internet Pack M that allows surfing the internet at a volume of up to 200 MB and up to HSDPA speed for € 10/month and Internet Pack L with the full speed to 5GB for € 25/month.

    "By opening our mobile high-speed network for VoIP services, we set new standards in the area of the mobile internet," added Schüler.

    In Germany, the mobile data network of O2 reaches almost 100 percent of the population. Large parts of Germany are supplied with HSDPA at speeds of up to 7.2 MBit/s and the rapid upload technology HSUPA.

  • T-Mobile Deutschland Reverses VoIP Ban, Levies Surcharge


    T-Mobile has confirmed that it is to end its ban on mobile VoIP applications within its German network – but will charge customers upwards of EURO € 9.95 per month for the service.

    The operator justified the surcharge by explaining that billions of euros invested by operators in the roll-out of networks in recent years were based on rate costings with income from voice telephony and mobile data.

    Georg Pölzl, managing director of T-Mobile Deutschland, said that if this basis is no longer certain, then neither is the operational future of the networks.

    "T-Mobile wants to continue offering its customers state-of-the-art technology in future and needs a reliable basis to do so," he said.

    Vodafone is expected to announce a similar policy for the use of Skype or other VoIP applications on smartphones.

    Pölzl said the T-Mobile VoIP service will be available this summer.

    He said pricing would be staggered and customers would be able to use the VoIP services of different providers.

    "In this way, we are building a bridge between the different customers’ needs for the most competitively-priced and innovative services," he said.

    Pölzl said the charges were necessary because additional investment in the network is necessary for simultaneous, "always on" use of VoIP applications".

    He added: "It would not be fair to customers who don’t use VoIP if these additional costs were to be shared across all customers.

    "For this reason, we are making it possible to use Internet telephony via optional rates, while keeping it otherwise barred."

  • T-Mobile Germany Back-Tracks on N97 VoIP Strategy


    T-Mobile Germany is reconsidering its VoIP strategy as a rival carrier works on special VoIP plans.

    The change of heart is in sharp contrast to T-Mobile’s threat to cut off VoIP users – both physically and contractually – after Skype announced the release of its iPhone app in March.

    The carrier is considering ways of dealing with VoIP – which could include VoIP-specific monthly plans.

    It comes as Vodafone Germany is reported to be considering offering special VoIP plans.

    T-Mobile Germany is to launch Nokia’s flagship smartphone the N97 this summer but Skype will not be pre-loaded on the device.

    This is despite Nokia having a deal to preload the VoIP client on to the new devices.

    The carrier has now said that it will be up to subscribers to decide if they want the app.

    Those that do will be able to download it to their VoiP compatible N97s.

    It certainly seems as though T-Mobile Germany has paid attention to consumer displeasure following its initial outburst.