Free Choice of Router in Germany - In the Future, Consumers Can Choose Their Terminal Device for Broadband Connections

BERLIN, December 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Internet users in Germany will soon be able to choose which modem or router to use for their broadband connection. The German government has abolished ISP locking. Up to this decision, some network operators approved only their own routers or modems on connections they provided. As a result, users had to make do without certain functions and with security gaps in their terminal equipment. Now consumers will be able to choose freely whether to buy a router adjusted to their demands in retail or continue to use the router provided with their Internet connection.

According to the German government, the new law is supposed to improve consumer choice and encourage competition among manufacturers to produce the best terminal devices. As in mobile communications, where there are a multitude of mobile phones and smartphones to choose from, users will now also be able to choose their terminal device for DSL, cable or fiber optics according to their needs and wishes.

The Association of Manufacturers of Terminal Equipment in Telecommunications and many consumer organizations welcome the new telecommunications law for terminal devices in Germany. It clearly states that the public telecommunication network ends at the socket on the wall (passive network termination point). This technologically neutral approach ensures freedom of choice, no matter the user's choice of access technology.

This joint statement has been issued by the following corporations:
   Aastra Deutschland GmbH, Berlin
   AGFEO GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld
   Auerswald GmbH & Co. KG, Cremlingen
   AVM GmbH, Berlin
   bintec elmeg GmbH, Nürnberg
   Buffalo Technologies EU BV, NL − 2132 JH Hoofddorp
   devolo AG, Aachen
   D-Link GmbH, Eschborn
   DrayTek - univorx GmbH, Schönefeld
   Gigaset Communications GmbH, Düsseldorf
   Ikanos Communications Inc., Pfaffenhofen/Ilm
   individual Computers Jens Schönfeld GmbH, Simmerath
   LANCOM Systems GmbH, Würselen
   Lantiq Deutschland GmbH, Neubiberg
   Nextragen GmbH, Flensburg
   Patton-Inalp Networks AG, Niederwangen
   Snom Technology AG, 13509 Berlin
   TDT GmbH, Essenbach
   TechniSat Digital GmbH, Daun
   Telefonbau Arthur Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Mönchengladbach
   Tiptel.Com GmbH, Ratingen
   Viprinet Europe GmbH, Bingen am Rhein

For inquiries:
Urban Bastert
Head of Communications
AVM GmbH, Berlin
Phone +49-30-39976-242
Mail u.bastert@avm.de

Pamela Krosta-Hartl
Director Corporate Communications
LANCOM Systems GmbH, Würselen
Phone +49-2405-49936-331
Mail pamela.krosta-hartl@lancom.de