Despite being Europe’s largest economy, Germany lags far behind in internet speed and connectivity—not just in rural areas but even in major cities like Berlin and Munich. Studies show that mobile network speeds in Germany are slower than in countries like Albania, raising questions about why Germans tolerate such sluggish digital infrastructure.
A Persistent Problem in Everyday Life
During major events like the UEFA European Football Championship, Germany’s internet woes often make international headlines. Visitors are frequently surprised by the lack of reliable Wi-Fi, even in central locations. At the Berlin Film Festival, for instance, foreign journalists joked about having better connectivity in remote parts of Mallorca than in Germany’s capital.
The issue isn’t just an inconvenience—it affects businesses, innovation, and even political discussions. During the last federal elections, some Germans questioned how the country could seriously debate artificial intelligence when even basic internet access remains unreliable. “How can we talk about AI if we don’t even have stable Wi-Fi in downtown Munich?” one frustrated café-goer remarked.
A Slow Road to Improvement
Germany’s internet troubles are nothing new. A 2018 study commissioned by the Greens found that mobile internet speeds in Germany were slower than in Albania. Yet, little was done to address the issue at the time. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has acknowledged the problem, even pointing to Spain as a model for successful digitalization.
In 2023, the German government introduced the Gigabit Strategy, aiming to expand fiber-optic coverage nationwide and ensure high-speed mobile connectivity “everywhere people live, work, and travel.” The plan sets a goal of connecting 50% of households and businesses to fiber by 2025, with full mobile coverage expected by 2026.
Still Falling Behind
Despite these efforts, Germany continues to rank poorly in global internet speed comparisons. According to the Speedtest Global Index, Germany sits at 56th place for broadband speeds—far behind Spain, which ranks 9th. Mobile internet speeds average just 68.91 Mbps, placing Germany in the same disappointing position. A Deloitte survey further highlighted the gap, showing that Spain has 2.5 times more high-speed internet connections (above 250 Mbps) than Germany.
Consumer advocates argue that Germany’s minimum internet standards—currently set at 15 Mbps for downloads and 5 Mbps for uploads—are outdated. “These benchmarks should have been raised long ago,” says Ramona Pop of the Federation of German Consumer Organizations. She notes that even when deficiencies are identified, enforcement remains weak.
Will Things Change?
While internet providers are working on upgrades, many areas still suffer from poor coverage. The government’s Gigabit Strategy offers hope, but progress has been slow. For now, Germans continue to wait—and hope—for a digital infrastructure that matches the country’s economic stature.
Whether future policies will finally bridge this gap remains to be seen. Until then, Germany’s snail-speed internet remains a frustrating reality for residents and visitors alike.
