Despite widespread availability and technological advantages, one in five residents of Germany opts out of connecting fiber optic internet in their home. A study by the portal Verivox shows that 22 percent of people who have fiber optic infrastructure physically available do not use this service. The main reasons are lack of awareness about availability, satisfaction with their current connection, and concerns about costs.

High Opt-Out Rate

22 percent of people in Germany who have access to fiber optic infrastructure do not sign contracts for fiber optic internet service. The study indicates a significant gap between availability and actual use of the technology.

Lack of Awareness as Main Barrier

One of the key reasons for opting out is lack of knowledge about the possibility of connecting fiber optic at their place of residence. Many people do not know that their building is already or will soon be connected to the network.

Satisfaction with Existing Solutions

Some users believe that currently used connections, such as DSL or cable, are sufficient for their needs. They do not see an urgent need to switch to the more expensive fiber optic technology.

Concerns About Transition Costs

Consumers fear higher subscription fees for fiber optic and one-time costs related to installation and a potential new router, which hampers the decision to change providers.

A study conducted by the German comparison portal Verivox reveals a concerning trend in digitalization. Despite intensive investments in infrastructure expansion, one in five people (22%) who have the physical possibility of connecting fiber optic internet in their home does not opt for this service. This result indicates a serious non-technical barrier to the widespread adoption of the most advanced internet. Fiber optic technology (FTTH/B), which uses glass fibers to transmit data via light, is considered the future standard of communication, offering speeds and stability many times greater than traditional copper telephone wires (DSL) or cable networks. Massive investments in its development in Germany and across Europe have been ongoing for over a decade, often co-financed with public funds. The survey, published on February 21, 2026, shows that the problem lies not in a lack of network, but in consumer attitudes. The main reason for opting out is lack of awareness about fiber optic availability in a given building. Many people simply do not know that an operator has already brought infrastructure to their property or has it in their near-term plans. Another factor is subjective satisfaction with currently used technology, such as VDSL or cable internet, which for some users is fast enough. Economics also plays a key role here. Potential customers fear higher monthly subscriptions and hidden installation costs. The necessity of replacing equipment, such as a router, or concerns about a complicated switching procedure can also be obstacles. Lack of knowledge about availability: High, Satisfaction with current connection: Medium, Concerns about higher costs: Medium, Technical difficulties/transition: Low Experts note that this trend could slow the achievement of digital decade goals in Germany and hinder the implementation of future services, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), or high-level remote work and education. Telecommunications operators face the challenge not only of building networks but also of effective communication and education of end-users.