LG Koblenz Rules Against 1&1: “Fiber Optic DSL” Advertising Misleads Consumers on Internet Speeds

1&1 Faces Legal Repercussions For Misleading Fiber Optic Internet Claims

Koblenz, Germany – A recent ruling by the Koblenz Regional Court has found internet service provider 1&1 guilty of misleading advertising practices. The Court steadfast that 1&1’s promotion of “fiber optic DSL” was deceptive,particularly when the service delivered standard DSL via existing copper infrastructure. This legal defeat for 1&1 follows a lawsuit initiated by the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv).

The Deceptive Marketing Tactic

Consumers browsing the 1&1 website were often presented with a positive confirmation-a green checkmark-signaling the availability of “1&1 fiber optic DSL,” leading many to believe they would receive a full fiber optic connection. However, in numerous cases,these connections did not represent true fiber to the Home (FTTH) technology,where fiber optic cables directly reach the premises. Instead,customers received Vectoring DSL (VDSL),utilizing fiber optic lines only to the distribution point,with the final connection to the home still relying on traditional copper wiring.

Ramona Pop, a board member of the vzbv, stated that promising fiber optics while delivering DSL is fundamentally deceptive. This ruling highlights a growing concern over transparency in the telecommunications industry, where marketing terms can often mask the actual technology underpinning the service.

Court’s reasoning and Legal Basis

Judges presiding over the case concluded that 1&1’s advertising violated § 5 of the Law Against Unfair Competition (UWG) and the vzbv’s prohibition of advertising outlined in §§ 8 UWG. The Court emphasized that the imagery, particularly the green checkmark alongside the “fiber optic DSL” claim, created a misleading impression of a full fiber optic connection.

The Court rejected 1&1’s argument that disclaimers elsewhere on the website sufficiently clarified the nature of the service. The judges determined that such disclaimers did not negate the strong,initial misleading impression created by the primary advertising message.Consumers should not be required to actively seek out information that contradicts a service’s main advertised benefit.

Impact for Consumers

This judgment establishes a important precedent for consumer protection. Internet service providers are now compelled to accurately represent the technology they offer and refrain from using the term “fiber optic” loosely as a marketing tactic.A recent report from the OpenVault Broadband trends indicates that consumer satisfaction decreases by 20% when actual internet speeds fall short of advertised speeds.

Technology	Description	Typical Speeds (as of Nov 6, 2025)
FTTH (Fiber to the Home)	Fiber optic cable runs directly to the premises.	1 Gbps – 10 Gbps
VDSL (Vectoring DSL)	Fiber optic cable runs to a distribution point, with the final connection via copper wire.	25 Mbps – 100 Mbps
DSL	Uses traditional copper telephone lines.	1 Mbps – 25 Mbps

Did you Know? Approximately 35% of households in Germany currently have access to fiber optic connections, according to data from Statista as of Q3 2025.

Pro Tip: Before signing up for an internet service, carefully review the service agreement and inquire about the specific technology used to deliver the connection to your address.

Appeal and Future Outlook

1&1 has announced its intention to appeal the Koblenz Regional Court’s decision (ref. 9 U 990/25), leaving the final outcome uncertain. The next hearing is scheduled for February 15, 2026. This case underscores the importance of diligent marketing practices and the need for providers to prioritize transparent dialog with consumers.

What steps should consumers take when evaluating internet service offerings? And how can regulatory bodies further strengthen consumer protections in the telecommunications sector?

Understanding Fiber Optic Technology

Fiber optic internet utilizes pulses of light to transmit data through thin strands of glass or plastic. This technology offers substantially faster speeds,greater bandwidth,and improved reliability compared to traditional copper-based systems. However, the deployment of fiber optic infrastructure is costly, explaining the prevalence of hybrid solutions like VDSL.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fiber Optic Internet

• What is “fiber optic” internet? Fiber optic internet uses light signals to transmit data at very high speeds.
• What is the difference between FTTH and VDSL? FTTH delivers fiber directly to your home, while VDSL uses fiber to a local hub and than copper wiring for the final connection.
• Is VDSL still a good option? VDSL can provide faster speeds than traditional DSL, but it is not as fast or reliable as FTTH.
• how can I verify the type of internet service I’m receiving? Check your service agreement and contact your provider for clarification.
• What protections do consumers have against misleading advertising? Consumer protection laws prohibit deceptive marketing practices, and organizations like the vzbv advocate for consumer rights.

What specific technological component limits the achievable speeds in 1&1’s “Fiber Optic DSL” service?

The Ruling: What Happened?

On November 6, 2025, the Regional Court of Koblenz (Landgericht Koblenz – LG Koblenz) delivered a notable blow to 1&1, Germany’s second-largest telecommunications provider. The court persistent that 1&1’s advertising of “Fiber Optic DSL” (Glasfaser-DSL) was misleading to consumers regarding actual internet speeds.This ruling centers around the practice of marketing connections that utilize a hybrid of fiber optic and traditional DSL technology as purely “fiber optic.”

The core issue? 1&1 was found to be overstating the benefits of their service,implying speeds comparable to full fiber optic connections when,in reality,the final leg of the connection to the customer’s home still relied on copper wiring (DSL). This DSL component significantly limits achievable speeds. the case was brought forward by the consumer protection agency, Verbraucherzentrale.

Understanding the Technology: Fiber optic vs. DSL vs. Hybrid

To grasp the implications of the ruling, it’s crucial to understand the differences between these technologies:

* Fiber Optic (Glasfaser): transmits data as light signals through glass fibers, offering significantly faster speeds and greater bandwidth. This is a true end-to-end fiber connection.

* DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): uses existing copper telephone lines to transmit data. While faster than dial-up, DSL speeds are limited by distance from the provider’s central office and line quality.

* Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC): Combines fiber optic and coaxial cables.

* Fiber-to-the-Curb (FTTC) / Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH): These represent varying degrees of fiber optic deployment. FTTH is a full fiber connection, while FTTC utilizes fiber to a distribution point near the home, with the final connection being DSL. 1&1’s “Fiber Optic DSL” falls into this FTTC category.

The court specifically highlighted that consumers generally understand “fiber optic” to mean a complete fiber connection, not a hybrid solution. The term “Fiber Optic DSL” created a false expectation of performance.

Key Arguments Presented by the Verbraucherzentrale

The Verbraucherzentrale argued that 1&1’s marketing campaign deliberately obscured the fact that the advertised speeds were not consistently achievable due to the DSL portion of the connection.Their arguments focused on:

* Misleading Terminology: The use of “Fiber Optic DSL” was deemed intentionally deceptive.

* Lack of Clarity: Insufficiently clear communication about the hybrid nature of the connection.

* Unrealistic Speed Claims: Advertising speeds that were only attainable under ideal conditions, rarely experienced by typical users.

* Consumer Protection Laws: Violation of German laws protecting consumers from unfair commercial practices (UWG – Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb).

Implications for Consumers: What Does This Mean for You?

This ruling has several significant implications for consumers in germany,and potentially beyond:

* Increased Transparency: Telecommunications providers will likely be forced to be more obvious about the technology used in their internet connections. Expect clearer labeling and descriptions of hybrid solutions.

* More Accurate Advertising: Advertisements will need to accurately reflect the speeds consumers can realistically expect, taking into account the limitations of DSL technology.

* Potential for Claims: consumers who believe they were misled by 1&1’s advertising may have grounds to pursue claims for damages.

* Focus on FTTH Expansion: The ruling may accelerate the demand for and investment in true FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home) infrastructure.

1&1’s Response and Potential Appeals

As of November 6,2025,1&1 has not issued a comprehensive statement regarding the ruling. Tho, sources indicate the company is reviewing the decision and considering an appeal. They previously defended their marketing by stating that the fiber optic component significantly improves overall performance compared to traditional DSL.An appeal would likely focus on arguing that the term “Fiber Optic DSL” is a reasonable description of the technology and that consumers are not necessarily misled by it.

The Broader Context: Germany’s Fiber Optic Rollout

Germany has been relatively slow to roll out full fiber optic infrastructure compared to other European countries. While significant investments are being made, the majority of connections still rely on DSL or hybrid solutions. This ruling comes at a critical time, as the government is pushing for faster broadband speeds and increased competition in the telecommunications market. The pressure to deliver on these goals is mounting.

Practical Tips for Choosing an Internet Provider

Given the complexities of internet technology and marketing claims, here are some practical tips for consumers:

1. Don’t rely solely on advertising: Research different providers and technologies independently.
2. Ask specific questions: Inquire about the type of connection (fiber optic, DSL, hybrid) and the guaranteed minimum speed.
3. Check autonomous speed tests: Use online tools to verify the actual speeds experienced by other users in your area.
4. Read the fine print: Carefully review the terms and conditions of your contract.
5. Understand your needs: Consider your internet usage habits and choose a plan that meets your