How we rank: Mobile operators
The Score (0–100) is a weighted sum of the factors below. Each factor is the weighted average of its metrics; each metric is calculated from one published fact. Missing facts score zero, and a service is ranked only when enough of its Score is backed by facts.
A service is ranked only when at least 60% of its Score is backed by verified facts.
← Mobile operators in Germany 2026: a ranking built on verified facts
Network 40%
Whether the operator is listed by the telecom regulator as an authorised or registered provider, whether it runs its own radio network or uses another operator's (MVNO), whether consumers have commercial 4G and 5G (pilots do not count), and the share of the population covered, as stated by the operator or the regulator. Territory shares and the word "nationwide" are not counted. Stated coverage is not a measurement of quality or speed.
| Metric | Rule |
|---|---|
| Listed by the regulator | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Own radio network | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Commercial 4G | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Commercial 5G | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Stated population coverage | Linear from 80 (0) to 100 (100) |
Cost 30%
The monthly price of a reference basket: the cheapest standard published consumer tariff, postpaid or prepaid, with at least 10 GB of domestic data and at least 100 domestic minutes, open to any new customer. Regular price without temporary promotions, bundles with home internet, handsets, age-limited tariffs or multi-line discounts, normalised to 30 days. The index shows the price against the cheapest basket found in the same country: 100 is the cheapest, 150 is 50% dearer, 300 or more scores zero. The original price in local currency is shown on the company page. The index is comparable only within one country.
| Metric | Rule |
|---|---|
| Price index (100 = cheapest in the country) | Linear from 100 (100) to 300 (0) — lower is better |
Service 20%
Whether eSIM is offered to new customers, whether international roaming is available on consumer plans, whether the operator has its own self-care app, and whether human support by phone or chat is stated as 24/7.
| Metric | Rule |
|---|---|
| eSIM | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| International roaming | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Self-care app | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| 24/7 human support | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
Transparency 10%
Whether the full price list or tariff terms are public without logging in, and whether the operator publishes how to file a complaint.
| Metric | Rule |
|---|---|
| Tariff terms published | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Complaints procedure published | Yes = 100, No = 0 |