There are many things to take care of when moving. This also includes being reachable by telephone via a landline and your internet connection. A change of address requires a change to the connection or telephone number, or even a change of provider. While you normally have to observe the contract term precisely, when moving home you benefit from a special right of termination if your provider cannot provide the previous service at your new place of residence. In this article, you will learn how to re-register your telephone in good time and under what conditions you can change providers and take your telephone number with you.
The ideal situation: Change of address within the same area code
Unlike mobile phone contracts, landline connections are tied to the place of residence. Telephone numbers have a local area code. If you move within your area code, you can take your telephone number with you. There is often no reason to change providers either.
This means: The existing contract continues and only your billing address and, if applicable, the entry in telephone directories change. Neither does a new contract begin, nor does the current term change. However, the provider may charge a relocation fee, which may not be more expensive than a new connection.
Notify us of your move in good time!
Even if nothing changes under contract law, action is still required. Your provider must assign the existing connection to the new address. This involves a technical changeover, which may take some time depending on the provider and address.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly, you should notify them of the move at least two weeks, or preferably four to five weeks, before moving home. To do so, send a letter by registered mail. Alternatively, a signed PDF document that you upload as a notification via your customer account may be sufficient. This allows your provider to initiate everything.
The problem: Provider can no longer provide the previous service
While the telephone number can be switched to the new address without difficulty within the same area code, there may be problems with the internet bandwidth. As a rule, you conclude a contract for a DSL connection with telephone service. The provider guarantees you a specific bandwidth, i.e. “internet speed”. However, this depends on network expansion and the Distance from junctions. In some cases, providers may be unable to provide the existing service at the new address for technical reasons.
Special right of termination when moving
If your current provider cannot continue providing the contracted service at your new place of residence, you have a special right of termination. You do not have to accept any reductions or other contract offers, such as switching to higher or lower bandwidths or a different connection type (cable internet/DSL). Since the amendment of the Telecommunications Act at the end of 2021, the notice period in this case has been only one calendar month, but it applies no earlier than the date you move out (the end of the tenancy agreement).
Remember to port your telephone number
If you switch providers, you can take your existing telephone number with you. This applies to existing contracts and when changing providers. When changing providers, you must request this when concluding the contract. As a rule, the new provider handles the process. This so-called number porting must now be approved by both parties without additional costs. Sufficient lead time of approx. ten to 14 days is important for processing. Only then will you be reachable directly on your old telephone number when you move in.
If you remain with your current telephone and internet provider, you should also clarify with them that you wish to retain the number. Depending on the provider, this may have to be requested separately. Otherwise, the company may assign you a new number.
Several options when moving to a different area code
Many moves take place between different area codes. If you move to a location with a different area code, two possible scenarios may arise:
- Your current provider can provide the contracted services at the new address. In this case, your contract does not change. However, since you live in a different area code, your telephone number changes. You will be assigned a new telephone number.
- Your provider cannot provide the service sufficiently or at all at the new address. In this case, as when moving within an area code, you have a special right of termination. The notice period is also one calendar month, but termination is possible no earlier than the date you move out. For your new place of residence, you can conclude a contract with another telephone and internet provider.
Special case: Moving abroad
If you give up your home in Germany and move abroad, the regulations mentioned apply analogously. Since most telephone and internet providers do not operate in other countries, you can exercise the aforementioned special right of termination.
Moving into an apartment with an existing connection
If you move in with a life partner, your family, into a shared apartment or into an institution such as a nursing home, there is usually already a telephone and internet connection there. In this case too, you can exercise the special right of termination when moving. This takes effect with a notice period of one calendar month at the earliest on the move-out date. In some cases, it may even be possible to have your old telephone number additionally connected to the connection. Details must be clarified with the telecommunications provider.