Internet with no minimum term: who benefits from a monthly rolling contract
A tariff you can cancel monthly usually costs more per month but spares you a long commitment. When the extra cost pays off and what to watch for with one-off fees.
Tariffs with no minimum term are rarely cheaper; they are more flexible. Whether that is worth it depends on how long you are likely to need the connection, and on what set-up and hardware cost up front.
The extra cost is a bet on how long you’ll stay
Work out both options over the same period: the flexible tariff and the fixed-term contract, each including the connection fee, delivery and hardware. Only the total shows the point at which the fixed-term contract becomes cheaper.
If you know you’ll stay for two years, the fixed-term contract almost always wins. For a temporary arrangement, the extra cost can be worth the flexibility.
- Compare monthly prices over the same period
- Don’t forget one-off fees
- Factor in the price after any discount period
- Check the notice period on the flexible tariff
The alternative: a short fixed term rather than none at all
Since the TKG reform, fixed-term contracts can be cancelled with one month’s notice once the minimum term has ended anyway. The difference between “no minimum term” and “24 months” is therefore smaller than it looks; it mainly affects the first two years.
For short periods, a mobile or 5G home tariff can also make more sense than a fixed-line connection, because there is no set-up or line activation.
Frequently asked questions
Are tariffs with no minimum term more expensive?
Usually, yes, in terms of the monthly price. Providers charge for the flexibility and often only offer new-customer discounts on fixed-term contracts. Whether it actually costs more, though, depends on the total over the time you really use it, including one-off fees.
What is the notice period on monthly rolling tariffs?
One month is usual. The notice period is stated in the contract or in the product information sheet (Produktinformationsblatt). Check there too whether it runs to the end of the month or to another cut-off date.
Is a flexible tariff worthwhile for temporary accommodation?
Often, yes, especially if the period is under a year. Also check whether a tariff over the mobile network would be enough: there is no line activation or set-up, which matters more than the monthly price when you only need it for a short time.
Selected sources
Note: This article is general information and not legal advice. It does not replace an assessment of your individual case by a lawyer or a consumer advice centre. No guarantee of accuracy; the law and case law may change.
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