With StreamOn, Telekom offers its users an additional, inaccessible streaming service, which does not consume any mobile data volume. The Federal Network agency has now decided, however: parts of offer violate net neutrality and have to be adapted.

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Jochen Homann, president of Federal Network agency, said: “Consumer interest is necessary to adapt to DerAusgestaltung”, but service can still be offered. A spokesman for Telekom said that re had been no complaints from partners and customers about free streaming offer. Telekom consider decision of Federal Network agency to be “absolutely incomprehensible” and wants to initiate legal action against directive. For time being, customers and partners do not change anything.

Federal Network agency argues with net neutrality

With StreamOn, telecom customers can stream movies and music from content partners, such as Apple or Netflix, with certain mobile phone rates without burdening ir own mobile data volume. However, federal network agency criticised fact that same conditions would have to prevail in use of data in or European countries – that was not always case. In certain cases, rate of transmission is reduced and films are seen in lower quality. That is not permissible. In addition, re should be no additional fees for service in EU countries. Telekom received a deadline to change conditions by end of March 2018, after which a penalty payment is imminent.

Homann explained decision of Federal Network Agency with protection of net neutrality: “Banning restriction of video streaming not only ensures diversity of Internet, but also strengns providers of video streaming services that are based on higher-resolution Content. “

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More than 700,000 customers use service StreamOn in Germany, 153 partners are involved in offer.