Germany approves broadband transparency rules

Germany’s federal parliament, the Bundestag, has approved new transparency guidelines proposed by the Federal Network Agency (FNA) for the telecoms sector. Under the legislation, fixed and mobile providers will be required to provide greater transparency in the marketing of their broadband connections, including informing customers of the actual data transmission speeds of their broadband services. In addition, fixed and mobile operators will be required to provide customers with information on the contract terms, contractually agreed data transfer rates, the conditions for the renewal and termination of the contract, monthly costs and data volume allowances. Furthermore, the monthly invoice must include, among other things, the end of the minimum contract term, the notice period and the last calendar day on which the termination must be made in order to prevent a contract renewal. The new regulations are expected to enter into force after a six-month transposition period.