Germany
Mobile networks and carriers in Germany use 2 GSM bands, 1 UMTS band, 8 LTE bands, and 5 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Germany. See the tables below for details.
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Check device compatibilityGermany's mobile network is highly developed and has undergone significant changes over the years. The country's mobile communication market has been fully liberalized since January 1, 1998, allowing for increased competition and innovation.
Historically, the mobile phone market in Germany was dominated by three main cellular operators: Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile), Vodafone, and Telefónica Germany (O2). Deutsche Telekom launched LTE (Long-Term Evolution) in late 2010, following the "digital dividend" spectrum auction. Vodafone Germany commercially launched its first LTE network in rural areas in December 2010 and began rolling out the network in metropolitan areas in late 2011.
The mobile network infrastructure in Germany is supported by an extensive system of automatic telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic satellite system. Cellular telephone service is widely available, and the country has seen rapid expansion of LTE and 5G networks. Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone have been at the forefront of this expansion, with Deutsche Telekom maintaining a strong market share of around 81.5% in the fixed-line market as of 2023.
The mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in Germany have also played a significant role. MVNOs like Freenet and 1&1 Drillisch AG have secured significant shares of the mobile services market, with Freenet using the networks of all three major mobile network operators (MNOs) and 1&1 relying on the networks of Telefonica and Vodafone. These MVNOs offer competitive pricing and services, catering to different consumer needs and enriching the overall telecommunications sector.
The German telecom market is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and high demand for telecom services. By 2025, Germany is projected to be the largest smartphone market in Europe by the number of connections, with smartphone adoption expected to reach 84%. The ongoing digitalization trend and the need for high-speed networks are driving the market, particularly in the broadband segment, which is crucial for Industry 4.0 and other digital initiatives.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| E-Plus | 4 |
| O2 | 10 |
| T-Mobile | 13 |
| Vodafone | 14 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
| 1800 MHz (DCS) | GSM |
UMTS
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS |
LTE
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | LTE |
| B3 (1800 MHz +) | LTE |
| B7 (2600 MHz) | LTE |
| B8 (900 MHz) | LTE |
| B20 (800 MHz DD) | LTE |
| B28 (700 MHz APT) | LTE |
| B32 (1500 MHz L-band) | LTE |
| B38 (TD 2600 MHz) | LTE |
5G NR
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| N1 (2100 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N3 (1800 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N28 (700 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N77 (3700 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N78 (3500 MHz) | 5G NR |
