Class action against Vodafone for price increases: Participation now possible
Vodafone landline customers who are affected by a price increase and are dissatisfied with it can now join a class action lawsuit.
(Bild: Shutterstock / Olivier Le Moal)
Vodafone customers who do not agree with the price increase for their internet and telephone connection last year can now take part in a class action lawsuit. It was filed by the Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv) with the Higher Regional Court of Hamm in November 2023, and those affected can now join the lawsuit by registering in the register of plaintiffs.
The reason for the class action is information sent out by Vodafone to its customers since spring 2023, according to which the prices for internet connections (DSL and cable) are to be increased by 5 euros in most cases. The vzbv considers the unilateral price increases to be unlawful. It wants Vodafone to either pay compensation or refund the difference between the old and new prices. The consumer advocates have also requested that Vodafone pay interest for the duration of the court case.
Compensation or refunds in the event of success
"Many people probably shy away from going to court because of additional costs of 5 euros per month," says vzbv board member Ramona Pop. Now those affected can "obtain their rights easily and free of charge". Vodafone customers who receive Internet or telephone "out of the wall" and are affected by a price increase in their current contract can join. The contracts can be with Vodafone GmbH, Vodafone West GmbH or Vodafone Deutschland GmbH. In addition, the contracts may have originally been concluded with predecessor companies, such as Kabel-Deutschland or Unitymedia.
Mobile phone contracts with Vodafone are not part of the lawsuit. The court proceedings are also not concerned with whether those who immediately terminated their contract with Vodafone are entitled to compensation if they now pay a higher price for the same service with another company.
The vzbv emphasizes that if the case is successful, registered consumers will be awarded compensation or refunds directly. In contrast to a model declaratory action, there is no need for them to go back to court to assert claims. Associations in Germany have been able to file class actions in the form of a redress action since October 2023.
(anw)
