"Fiber optic DSL": Court prohibits advertising by 1&1

The Koblenz Regional Court grants the injunction lawsuit by the Federation of German Consumer Organizations against 1&1 due to misleading advertising. The internet provider presented the availability of fiber optics positively in the availability test on its website, even when only DSL connections via copper lines were actually available.

The internet provider's offer suggested that if the check result was positive, a full fiber optic connection was available at the address, according to the consumer association. At the same time, “the impression was given that the fiber optic cables in the offered tariffs reach directly to the building or into the apartment.” “In reality, the availability check and the tariff offer refer to a 'Vectoring connection' (FTTC – Fiber to the Curb), where fiber optic cables are only laid to the distribution box and the last section to the building is via copper cables.”

The tariff advertised as “1&1 Fiber Optic DSL”is still routed via a copper cable, which only provides classic DSL. “Anyone who seemingly promises fiber optics but can only deliver DSL deceives consumers. Consumers must not be induced to sign contracts with false high-speed internet promises,” said Ramona Pop, Chairwoman of the Federation of German Consumer Organizations.

According to the consumer association, the result of the availability check at 1&1 did contain hidden indications that the “fiber optic DSL” offer was not a genuine fiber optic tariff. However, the court was convinced that this was not sufficient to negate the misleading of consumers.

The ruling of the Koblenz Regional Court of September 16, 2025, with file number 3 HK O 69/24, is not yet legally binding. 1&1 has already filed an appeal (file number 9 U 990/25).

(afl)