NET CHECK and CHIP Magazine Once Again Test the Quality of German Mobile Networks. The results: Telekom takes the lead as the top-performing network, followed by Vodafone with an equally strong rating in second place, while O2 rounds out the test results in third place.
The NET CHECK measurement technicians traveled over 8,000 kilometers by car and 2,300 kilometers by Deutsche Bahn trains. Over 78 hours, they collected data in urban areas across German cities, focusing on high-traffic locations like landmarks and shopping streets. These measurements were complemented by the analysis of billions of data samples gathered via crowdsourcing from approximately 1.9 million smartphones, covering an area of 235,055 square kilometers.
Quality Gains Across All Networks
“We see quality improvements in all networks. Despite higher demands, network operators were able to maintain or even improve their ratings,” says Detlef Zernick, CEO of NET CHECK. Significant progress has been made, especially in 5G, which has notably enhanced network quality, particularly in urban areas where it effectively manages peak loads. LTE remains a critical component, especially in rural regions.
5G as a Driver for Industry
Detlef Zernick also highlights 5G Standalone (SA) as a forward-looking technology, as it not only boosts network performance but also opens up entirely new opportunities for the economy. “The upcoming introduction of 5G SA offers increased capability and reduced latency, along with significant benefits for businesses,” Zernick explains. “I am convinced that the modernization of networks will be a decisive driver for industrial and digital transformation in Germany.”
Telekom Continues to Set Standards Across All Areas
Once again, Telekom solidifies its position as the market leader, excelling across nearly all categories. The network stands out in high-speed connections, rural coverage, and performance in trains. Users benefit from exceptional availability and stable connections, even under challenging conditions.
Vodafone Impresses with Strong Urban Performance
Vodafone delivers impressive results, particularly in densely populated urban areas. At locations like shopping centers, train stations, and tourist hotspots, the network excels with stable connections and high reliability. NET CHECK’s measurements confirm Vodafone’s minimal error rates in these scenarios and consistent high-quality data transfers. The network also performs well in applications such as video streaming and video calls, ensuring a reliable experience for users.
O2 Shows Progress but Still Room for Improvement
O2 has made measurable improvements compared to last year, particularly in network coverage and the integration of 5G. However, it still lags behind the top performers, especially in rural areas and along highways. In high-demand scenarios like trains, further optimization is needed to deliver consistently high quality.
Mobile Networks in Trains: Progress in Sight
Mobile network coverage in Deutsche Bahn trains remains challenging but shows early signs of improvement. Telekom maintains its lead, while Vodafone has made notable progress in internet connectivity. “The test track results were disappointing. However, other train measurements achieved better results, though they are not yet fully accessible to all passengers,” says Zernick. Looking ahead, he adds, “With ongoing initiatives by network operators—such as the ‘Gigabit-Train’—we anticipate noticeable progress in the coming years, provided bureaucratic and regulatory hurdles do not slow this down.”
Looking Ahead
While challenges such as signal dead zones and reception issues in trains persist, the latest results indicate that German mobile networks are steadily improving. Vodafone stands out for its progress in heavily frequented urban areas, while Telekom continues to set the benchmark with top-tier performance and reliability. With the ongoing rollout of 5G, enhanced technologies, and operator initiatives, the future of German mobile networks looks promising. NET CHECK will continue to play a key role in evaluating and supporting these developments.
You can find the full article in the January 2025 edition of CHIP Magazine and online at chip.de.
