The "free router choice": What you as a German company need to know
Use your right! Discover what the "free router choice" in Germany means for your business, what advantages it brings, and how you can gain control over your IT infrastructure.
The internet router you receive from your provider is often a compromise – easy to use but frequently limited in functionality. However, as an entrepreneur in Germany, you are not bound to this device. You have a powerful but often unknown right: the freedom of router choice.
This law gives you back control over your digital infrastructure. We explain what it means and what strategic advantages it has for your business.
The law on the freedom of router choice explained simply
Since August 1, 2016, a significant change in the Telecommunications Act (TKG) has been in effect in Germany.
What this means in practice: The network of your provider (Telekom, Vodafone, o2, etc.) officially ends at the telephone socket in your wall. Everything behind it – namely the router and your local network – is your responsibility and, therefore, your freedom of choice.
Your internet provider is legally obligated to provide you with all necessary access data for internet and telephony unsolicited when you enter into a contract. With this data, you can operate any commercially available compatible router at your connection.
Why you should make use of this right
The decision for your own router is more than just a technical gimmick. It offers three solid business advantages:
1. Enhanced functionality and performance
Commercially available routers, particularly the AVM FRITZ!Box, often provide significantly greater functionality than the standard devices from providers. This includes:
More powerful telephone system functions for detailed call control.
Better Wi-Fi technology (e.g., mesh) for more stable network coverage in your office space.
Advanced VPN capabilities for secure and easy access to your corporate network from home office.
2. Long-term cost savings
The monthly rental fee for a provider's router, which often ranges from €5 to €10, can be avoided. The one-time purchase price for your own, more powerful device amortizes over the contract term and results in a noticeable financial relief.
3. Control and independence
Your own router belongs to you. You decide when to install updates and are not dependent on your provider's firmware policy. Most importantly, you can simply take the device with you and continue using it if you switch providers later. This creates strategic independence.
How does the switch work in practice?
The transition is usually straightforward. After you physically connect your new router to the telephone socket, you will be guided through the initial setup by an assistant. Here, you enter the access data you received from your provider to establish the connection to the internet and telephony.
Your conscious decision for more control
The freedom of router choice is more than a technical option. It is a strategic decision for any company that values control, flexibility, and maximum performance of its digital infrastructure.
A powerful foundation like your own router is the perfect basis for running smart services such as Safina AI and getting the most out of your communication.
Your Safina team
