In recent weeks, 1&1, Germany’s fourth-largest mobile network operator, has faced significant service disruptions, notably impacting Stuttgart and other major cities. These outages have raised concerns among customers and industry observers alike.
🔍 Overview of the Disruption
On April 11, 2025, 1&1 experienced widespread service issues, with thousands of customers reporting problems with mobile and internet services across cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart. The disruptions began around 9 PM and peaked around midnight, leaving users without signal, mobile internet, and telephone connections .
Further reports indicated that the disruptions were not isolated incidents. In March 2025, 1&1 confirmed DSL outages in the Böblingen and Stuttgart areas, with technicians working to resolve the issues .
🛠️ Causes Behind the Outages
The primary cause of the disruptions appears to be technical faults following software updates. In May 2024, a software update led to a significant network outage, affecting approximately 4% of 1&1’s 12 million customers. The company acknowledged the issue and worked to restore services promptly .
Additionally, 1&1’s reliance on Open RAN (Radio Access Network) technology, while innovative, has presented challenges. The operator’s ambitious rollout of a fully virtualized 5G network has faced delays and technical hurdles, contributing to service instability .
📈 Impact on Customers and Company Performance
The recurring network issues have not only frustrated customers but also impacted 1&1’s financial performance. In February 2025, United Internet, 1&1’s parent company, reported that network problems had negatively affected their balance sheet, leading to a decline in share prices .
Customer trust has also been shaken, with many expressing dissatisfaction on social media platforms. The company’s customer service has been criticized for its response to the outages, further exacerbating user frustration .
🏗️ Future Outlook and Measures
Despite these challenges, 1&1 is committed to expanding its network infrastructure. By the end of June 2024, the company had integrated over 400 sites into its network, doubling the number from three months prior. However, this still lags behind competitors like O2 and Vodafone, which have tens of thousands of active mobile sites .
To mitigate future disruptions, 1&1 plans to switch its national roaming agreement from O2 to Vodafone, aiming to provide more stable service in areas where it lacks its own infrastructure. The company also continues to invest in its Open RAN technology, despite the current setbacks.
📌 Conclusion
The recent network disturbances have highlighted the growing pains of 1&1’s ambitious expansion in Germany’s telecommunications sector. While the company faces technical and operational challenges, its efforts to innovate and expand its network could lead to improved services in the long run. Customers, however, will be closely monitoring how 1&1 addresses these issues moving forward.
