You’ve just landed in Germany and cannot wait to reconnect with families back at home. Well, we covered the type of phones and SIM cards compatible within the German network place, but not a single paragraph highlighted the telephone services. Well, there are at least four known telephone service providers with a reputation of good network coverage and a dynamic support team that will help you navigate around the clock. These service providers include Vodafone, T-Mobil, E-plus, and O2. However, O2 is the youngest player but has taken the market with a storm thanks to its unique home-zone plane that gets many youths and generally younger populations on board.
Before using the above telephone service providers, you’ll need to check out on the following, just to make sure that you choose from the best service provider:
- Network mode
It is no surprise that all German telephone service providers operate on GSM network modes. GSM network has taken over the global market with a storm and is widely used in most countries around Europe, Asia, and Africa. So if you’re coming from such continents, all you’ll need is to purchase a new SIM card once in Germany. On the other hand, you’ll also need to check if your phone is either locked or unlocked for specific networks in Europe, especially iPhones and Orange phones.
- Analog and digital phones
Before choosing a perfect telephone service provider, you must note Germany has both analog and digital network platforms that are doing exemplary well. Therefore, you have a variety of plans to pick from. Other than going for affordable international call rates which you’ll need the most, it is also essential to check on a network platform that offers exemplary discounted domestic plans such as call forwarding, caller ID, and voice-mail. If you decide to go for an analog phone, you’ll get a single phone handset, one telephone line and a modem that dials up for internet services.
- Public phones
Another telephone service provider in Germany is the government itself through public telephones. Public phones are the easiest and cheapest way of communication, as you’ll not need a tedious registration process. You can access public phones through phone cards, which are sold at almost all retail shops and stores all over the market. Phone cards are also sold in supermarkets, and they come in different amounts with different calling plans. Of course, you can make international calls with public phones.
- Mobile phone plans
Well, Germany has technically invested so deep in mobile phone plans with service providers offering plans on a contractual basis. It is also important to note that it will be damn expensive when you choose to make calls and send SMS to other networks within and outside Germany without a proper mobile phone plan. Most plans will run for a contract period of not less than two years, with automatic renewal in any case you fail to cancel. Cancellation should be made several months before the expiry period, or else it shall be void.
Moreover, there are also attractive flat rates for specific services such as texting and calling. It is, however, essential that you keenly check on the terms and conditions of each service provider so that you don’t fall for a plan or option with expensive hidden charges.Also, when buying a phone, look for a gadget with proficient hands-free mode as driving when using a phone in Germany is a serious traffic offense that can lock you behind bars.
