According to the vzbv, more than 100,000 Vodafone customers have joined the lawsuit. The case concerns Vodafone’s unilateral increase of monthly charges for cable connections.
Consumer advocates deem the price increase unlawful
In 2023, Vodafone raised the basic fees for fixed-line internet connections by five euros per month. This measure reportedly affected around ten million existing contracts. Consumer protection groups believe this adjustment violated applicable law. The vzbv is demanding that Vodafone refund the overcharged amounts to affected customers.
“Because of a five-euro monthly surcharge, many individuals shy away from going to court,” said Ramona Pop, a board member of the vzbv. “That is why it is especially important that affected customers receive their money back through the class action, provided the court rules in our favor.” Around ten million Vodafone customers are still eligible to register free of charge in the official lawsuit register maintained by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Vodafone declined to comment on the case
The company itself did not respond to requests for comment regarding the current status of the proceedings. In previous statements, Vodafone had justified the price increase by citing higher living costs resulting from inflation. In 2023, the mobile and cable service provider raised the fees for its cable connections without customer consent. According to consumer advocates, however, Vodafone lacked the legal basis for this move.
The oral hearing before the Higher Regional Court in Hamm is currently scheduled for December 3. Unless additional hearing dates are set, affected consumers have until December 24 of this year to join the lawsuit. If the court issues a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs, Vodafone customers could receive a refund of the price difference without having to file individual lawsuits.
Sources: dpa, Reuters
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