CHIP Network test 2024: Significant 5G progress and weak network coverage in German trains

CHIP and NET CHECK have once again examined the quality of German mobile networks. The test, which includes crowdsourcing data over an area of 235,000 square kilometers as well as hundreds of thousands of direct measurements with special equipment, shows that 5G expansion and network coverage in long-distance trains remain the key projects for the future. In addition, 1&1 is a new provider on the market whose network is still under construction.

Several teams of measurement technicians collected data across Germany to test the quality of the mobile networks on site. These measurements were supplemented by the analysis of billions of data samples provided by around 1.9 million smartphones via crowdsourcing. 

The results show that all networks perform well and can handle everyday tasks such as web surfing and streaming videos. But when it comes to high-speed Internet, there are clear differences between the providers, with Telekom coming out on top. Vodafone follows in second place with an equally good rating and O2 brings up the rear in our test.

Network coverage on long-distance trains remains a particularly critical point. The measurements continue to show significant weaknesses here, particularly in terms of voice quality and data transfers. 

The better mobile communications become, the more noticeable its shortcomings become on Deutsche Bahn trains,“

Telekom is also ahead here, but the competition has caught up. 

In the area of 5G, the data shows promising progress in 5G expansion. The differences between the network operators are dwindling and all networks are already at a similar level in the cities. 

1&1 is a new network operator entering the scene. Due to the currently only slightly advanced network expansion, 1&1 was specifically examined in Berlin, Frankfurt and Leipzig, as 1&1's network is already present there. Here it was shown that the network quality for telephone calls is competitive, but that there are still weaknesses in the reliability of data transfers and when accessing websites. Next year, 1&1 is expected to play a greater role in the network test as the network expansion continues.

You can find all test details and the results of other regional providers at CHIP.de.