Cable internet in Germany: speed, upload and what to check before you sign
With cable internet you often get high download speeds. First look at the load in your network segment, the upload, the router standard and the price after the discount period.
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Cable can deliver high download speeds. Because households share network capacity within a segment, it is especially worth looking at experiences at your specific location and at the guaranteed bandwidths.
In short: Cable internet runs over the TV cable connection and usually reaches up to 1,000 Mbit/s download. Upload is considerably lower and capacity is shared within the neighbourhood – so it can get slower in the evening. Before signing, check the performance at your address, the price after the discount period and whether you want to use your own router.
How cable internet works
Data travels over the coaxial cable originally laid for television. Modern networks use the DOCSIS 3.1 standard and make gigabit tariffs possible. Several households share the capacity of a network segment – if it is heavily used, speed drops at peak times. You do not need a telephone line; phone calls run over the internet if needed.
Its strength is the download
For large downloads, several streams and many devices, cable often offers a lot of performance for the money. If you regularly upload large files or need particularly low latency, compare the upload separately.
Which speed do you need?
| Tariff (download) | Suits |
|---|---|
| up to 100 Mbit/s | 1–2 people, browsing, HD streaming, working from home |
| 250 Mbit/s | families, several 4K streams, many devices |
| 500–1,000 Mbit/s | large households, frequent large downloads, gaming updates |
Also look at the upload if you often send large files or upload videos. Work out your household's needs with the speed advisor.
Checking at building level
An existing cable connection in the building does not automatically mean that every flat can be connected straight away. Clarify the socket, the in-house network and any additional agreements before signing a contract.
- Don’t overlook the upload
- Check the router standard and Wi-Fi features
- Calculate the price after the discount period
- Give experiences in your specific building more weight than general reviews
Your own router and the end of the service charge privilege
- Free choice of router: You may use your own DOCSIS 3.1 cable router. The provider must give you the access details for it. A rented router often costs more over the term than your own device.
- Service charge privilege (Nebenkostenprivileg): Since 1 July 2024, landlords may no longer bill the cost of the TV cable connection through the service charges. You always need your own contract for cable internet anyway – but check whether you now need a separate contract for TV.
- Too little performance: If speed stays significantly below the contract, you can prove it with the Federal Network Agency's broadband measurement and reduce your payment or terminate (section 57 TKG).
Our guide DSL or cable compares the two; fibre or cable explains fibre versus cable. Compare tariffs in the comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Does cable internet get slower in the evening?
On a cable network, households share the capacity of a segment. If that segment is heavily used, the data rate can drop at peak times. How noticeable this is depends on the specific segment – so experiences from your own building or street tell you more than general provider ratings.
Why is the upload lower than the download on cable?
Cable networks are technically asymmetric: most of the capacity is reserved for downloads. For streaming and normal browsing you will hardly notice. If you regularly upload large files, run cloud backups or spend a lot of time in video calls, compare the upload figure specifically.
Do I need a telephone line for cable internet?
No. Cable internet runs over the TV cable connection and does not need a telephone line. If you want telephony, it is provided as internet telephony over the same connection. You need a working multimedia socket in your flat.
Can I use my own router for cable internet?
Yes. Germany has free choice of router (Routerfreiheit): you may use your own device with DOCSIS 3.1 that is compatible with the network. The provider must give you the necessary access details. Register the device via the customer portal if required.
What does the end of the service charge privilege mean?
Since 1 July 2024, landlords may no longer pass on the fees for the TV cable connection through the service charges. You may then need your own contract for TV. Cable internet was never included and always requires your own contract.
What should I do if my cable internet is permanently too slow?
First check your Wi-Fi and measure via a LAN cable. If performance stays significantly below the contract according to the Federal Network Agency's broadband measurement, you can reduce your payment or terminate early (section 57 TKG).
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