ᐅ Internet Connection: Deutsche Telekom vs. Cable Network

Hello everyone,

when it comes to house connections, as I understand it, you also need to contact providers like Telekom or Vodafone to have the connection installed in the house. Phone calls with their respective customer service lines are already planned. I’ve learned from the electricity provider that Deutsche Telekom apparently requires a longer lead time.

I’m still having some difficulties understanding technically whether, depending on the individual situation, it makes sense to have classic DSL (Telekom) installed or to use Vodafone’s cable network, for example.

- In our specific case, TV is received via satellite (SAT) from the roof, and a landline is not needed because of mobile phones.
- I haven’t been able to figure out whether both options generally provide the same basic requirements, or if, for example, it would make more sense to focus on Vodafone since we only need internet and no phone service.
- Is a separate telephone cable even installed these days?
- Vodafone (formerly Unity Media) is an option for us because it is available; with classic DSL, the speeds are still quite limited in our area, at least, and they also offer good prices.

What are your thoughts on Telekom or alternative providers for the house internet connection?

Thank you all, and sorry for the very amateur questions :-(

We had both installed during the new build. Telekom as a backup—it wasn’t that expensive either. Back then it was still Unitymedia, as the connection fees were covered when signing the contract.
If you’re unhappy with your cable provider, you have no alternative unless you have the Telekom cable.

P.S. TV has always been via satellite.

I would first check with the telecom provider whether you can get a standard copper connection (DSL) or perhaps FTTH, like in almost every new development area around here.

For internet, cable currently offers the best price-performance ratio, but the quality depends on the size of the cable segment. Overbooked segments often cause problems, and some people are glad to switch to DSL. I would probably take both options if possible.

You can skip telephone cables these days. Cordless phones operate via DECT, and if you have wired devices, you can repurpose the network cabling for them. I strongly recommend having network cabling rather than relying solely on Wi-Fi. A combination of both should be the goal.

From a technical perspective:
FTTH (Fiber to the Home, meaning fiber optic cables are installed directly to the house) is optimal and currently the highest standard.
Cable TV networks use shielded cables to the house and therefore have better conditions to function stably and “fast” compared to the copper twisted pairs of telephone networks. With the latter, the length of the “last mile” plays a significant role (attenuation = bandwidth loss).

From a financial perspective:
Compare offers.

If the price is reasonable, have both installed to keep all options open.
This varies greatly depending on the region.
In our new development area:

- Telecom fiber optic cable directly to the house. €700 and a €300 credit on a contract.
- Unitymedia (now Vodafone) first offer nearly €12,000.

The decision was easy.

face26 schrieb:

- Unitymedia (now Vodafone) first offer just under 12,000€ (about 12,000 euros)

That's incredible!!! Here in the Lower Rhine region, whenever possible, the cable is always laid directly in the trenches, so you only need to connect it to the house.