Deutsche Telekom is throttling the internet (netzbremse.de)

Article summary

Deutsche Telekom is being accused of throttling internet speeds for certain websites and services, allegedly creating artificial bottlenecks at access points to its network. This practice is said to favor financially strong services that pay Telekom, while slowing down or making inaccessible those that cannot afford to pay. A complaint has been filed with the Federal Network Agency to stop this unfair practice. The issue affects various websites, including those used for work, education, and entertainment.

Main themes

• Net Neutrality
• Internet Throttling
• Deutsche Telekom
• Telecom Regulation
• Internet Access

What commenters say

• Deutsche Telekom's throttling of internet speeds is a clear violation of net neutrality principles and harms users who rely on affected websites and services.
• The company's practice of favoring paid services over others is unfair and creates an uneven playing field for online businesses and individuals.
• Some argue that Deutsche Telekom's actions are a result of poor infrastructure and underdimensioned transit access points, rather than a deliberate attempt to throttle speeds.
• The lack of competition in certain areas of Germany allows Deutsche Telekom to maintain a de facto monopoly, contributing to poor service and high prices.
• Alternative internet service providers, such as Starlink, may offer faster and more reliable connections, but are not always available or affordable for all users.
• The issue highlights the need for stronger regulation and oversight of telecom companies to ensure fair and equal access to the internet.
• Some users have found workarounds, such as using VPNs, to bypass throttling, but this is not a viable solution for all users and may not always be effective.