The Telecommunications Conciliation Board of the German Federal Network Agency published its activity report for the year 2022 today. It shows that applications for conciliation from customers against telecommunications companies increased by almost half.
The Telecommunications Conciliation Board mediates disputes between telecommunications companies and their customers with the aim of achieving a mutually agreeable solution without resorting to court proceedings.
These are further details:
- In 2022, customers of telecommunications companies applied for conciliation in 2,389 cases – an increase of around 47 percent compared to 1,622 conciliation applications in the year prior.
- The main issues related to the content and implementation of contracts as well as disputes due to disruptions, reduced data transmission rates, and billing complaints.
- In 886 cases (38 percent) of the 2,351 concluded conciliation proceedings, an agreement was reached between the disputing parties. In 35 cases, the parties did not accept the conciliation proposal.
- In 429 cases, the conciliation requests were withdrawn and in 618 cases, the companies refused to participate in the conciliation proceedings.
- Against the number of concluded proceedings, the conciliation body was able to open a significantly higher proportion of conciliation proceedings compared with the previous year.
Klaus Müller, President of the German Federal Network Agency, remarked: "Consumers are increasingly looking for neutral mediation in disputes with their telephone or Internet service provider. In conciliation proceedings, the parties can find a joint solution in many cases in an uncomplicated manner and free of charge."
Source: Federal Network Agency
More information and activity report 2022