Fiber optic expansion is still costing consumers dearly

The Telecommunications Modernization Act brings new rules, many of them to the benefit of consumers. But not all, because there is one thing that can seriously affect many people who rent: Landlords will soon be able to bill the costs for the fiber optic expansion via the ancillary costs.

The end of the additional cost privilege this year is likely to have caused at least restrained cheers for some tenants. Finally no longer having to pay for the already outdated cable connection, because you have never used it – even if it will take a while until then. But anyone who now believes that this will leave more money in their pockets at the end of the year is obviously wrong.

Expensive fiber optic connection: tenants pay whether they want to or not

With the new version of the Telecommunications Act from December 1st, it is certain that the classic privilege for additional costs will no longer apply. But it will be replaced immediately: According to scheme F, it has been decided to transfer the ability to pay for the TV cable connection to the house connection for fiber optics.

This means that the costs for the initial connection of a house to the fiber optic network, which the house owner or landlord bears, can be passed on to the tenants via the ancillary costs. The surcharge is allowed per apartment and year amount to a maximum of 60 euros (Source: Federal Association of Consumers / VZBV). This is particularly bitter from the tenant’s point of view, because the levy has to be paid, regardless of whether the respective tenant uses a tariff with fiber optics at all.

The additional costs for tenants are allowed usually over five years are required. In exceptional cases, the new version of the law also allows the allocation over nine years. The rule is limited until December 31, 2027. Costs for fiber optic connections that should be installed later are not apportionable.

However, it applies retrospectively to connections that have been made since 1.1.2015. Tenants who have had a fiber optic connection in the house for years can also do so from next year Surprised by the new item in the utility bill will.

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With luck, consumers will be asked to pay for “only” 300 euros

At best, the tenants affected will incur unnecessary costs totaling 300 euros in five years. Whoever it hits harder, this or that has to pay 540 euros. The total costs for a so-called FTTH connection (“fiber to the home”) are currently quoted by Telekom at around 800 euros (source: Telecom). Resourceful landlords pay less than half or even do a business.