O2 Germany

To handle this long page better on a mobile device, it has been split to 3 sub-pages according to operator:

o2 (Loop)
o2, owned by Telefónica, has now grown from Germany's smallest network to its biggest after the merger with E-Plus, what number of subscribers is concerned. The shops of E-Plus/Base have been rebranded and each customers can use also the both 2G and 3G networks nationwide and 4G/LTE. This gives a better coverage in the countryside, but still not as widespread as Telekom or Vodafone. 4G/LTE has been opened for prepaid in 2016 on its own brand and some of their MVNOs.

Like all network providers in Germany o2 charges higher rates than its resellers. The reason to add the MNO is the opening of their 4G/LTE network to new prepaid customers in February 2016. o2's own prepaid product is called Loop, but you can get their 4G/LTE now on some resellers much cheaper.

Maximum Transfer Speed
2G up to EDGE, 3G up to HSDPA and 4G/LTE up to 21.6 Mbps. You should have 800 MHz (band 20) for LTE as o2 uses it mostly.

Availability
o2 likes to call its starter packs Freikarte (= free card) because they are mathematically sold for free: Loop starter packs are sold online (to be sent to a German postal address), in o2-branded shops (locator), in many service stations, postal offices, supermarkets, electronic chain stores and kiosks. A triple size SIM card in mini, micro and nano is given out.
 * for free ('Freikarte '): without credit, only sold online and sent to a German postal address. If you have a German mail address (or know someone who has), you can get the SIM for free, that is already activated. Thus, you can skip registration process.
 * 6.99 €: with Loop Smart S (see below) pre-booked
 * 9.99 €: with Loop Smart M (see below) pre-booked
 * 14.99 €: with Loop Smart L (see below) pre-booked

Top-up vouchers can be found there and many other places too for 15, 20 or 30 €. To add value, type *103* #. Alternatively, you can use a bank transfer, their app or a top-up agency like prelado. SIM card and credit stays valid for 6 months after the last recharge. Check balance by *101# and validity by *102#.

Activation
Their SIM needs to be registered and activated before use. This is done online on their website or by calling 0800 800 2002 (for free from another phone) and takes some minutes or hours to take effect.

Default data rate
Default rate outside packages on all tariffs is the "day flat" of 0.99 € per calendar day with up to 30 MB high speed data (up to 21.6 Mbps and 4G/LTE), beyond throttled to 32 kbps.

Data feature packages
These monthly bundles are offered for data in up to 21.6 Mbps and 4G/LTE: While Smart S-L contains unlimited calls to o2, the Smart All-In has unlimited calls and texts in all domestic networks. On all bundles unused data rolls over to the next month. From 29/3/2016 all newly activated SIM cards include the very disputed "Datenautomatik": Having used up all data volume in M or L tariffs o2 automatically adds up to 3 "Datensnacks" ("data snacks") of 100 MB for 2 € each, in XL 250 MB for 3 € each. Only after the 3 added "snacks" (or all balance) are used up too, speed will be throttled to 32 kbps.
 * Smart S: 50 MB and 50 mins or SMS: 6.99 €
 * Smart M: 750 MB and 200 mins or SMS: 9.99 €
 * Smart L: 1 GB and 200 mins or SMS: 14.99 €
 * Smart XL: 1 GB 1.5 GB and 200 mins or SMS: 19.99 €
 * Smart All-In: 500 MB: 29.99 €; 2 GB: 39.99 €; 5 GB: 49.99 €

Data-only SIM - o2 go
This SIM has only data, no voice and is aimed at tablets and modems. It is sold in a seperate starter pack called o2 go prepaid for 9.99 € with 500 MB valid for 6 months after activation. These packages can be booked for more data on up to 4G/LTE: Activation is online through your o2 account. Having used up data quota, speed will be throttled to 64 Kbps.

More infomation

 * APN: pinternet.interkom.de
 * Tethering and VoIP are allowed or remain at least unblocked
 * Enable data roaming as better coverage is still made through free national roaming
 * More info (in German): http://www.o2online.de/ and for prepaid: http://www.o2-freikarte.de

FONIC (with FONIC mobile, formerly known as LIDL mobile)
FONIC uses the network of combined network of E-Plus/o2, which has a fair coverage and gives good performance in the cities. 2G up to EDGE, 3G up to HSDPA and 4G/LTE up to 21.6 Mbps.

Availability
FONIC SIMs are available online for 9.95 €, but for registration you need to have a German bank account. Bought offline this is not required. Starterpacks are sold at the drugstore chains of Müller and dm, the cash'n'carry stores of 'real' and the petrol stations of Jet amongst others. Top-up vouchers can be found there, at LIDL supermarkets (see below) and Rossmann. Be aware that o2 vouchers called Loop or Tchibo vouchers can't be used. FONIC SIM cards can be reloaded by bank transfer from abroad too. This may take a few days and is described here (in German).

SIMs in a starter packs are normally standard size, but with perforations to break out micro-SIM if required. If you want a nano SIM, you need to buy and register a standard/micro SIM first, then order a new nano-SIM card from here. You will be sent a nano card (to a German address only) with mini and standard adaptors for a surcharge of 10 €, which is inconvenient if you need a nano SIM.

Activation
The SIM needs to be activated and unlocked before use. First of all you need to register, either over the phone or online (in German). iPhone users should disenable FaceTime to prevent it from sending SMS. It then may take up to a couple of hours for the activation to take effect. You will receive a welcome SMS from FONIC when this has happened. Then you can use the PIN on the back of the FONIC credit-sized card to unlock the SIM. The unlock won't work until the phone number has been activated. If you activate the Fonic Smart S plan for example, you will be stuck with that plan for a month before you can change it!

Fonic is one of the few providers so far to verify given postal adresses by sending a letter there. Better choose another provider, if you can't verified at the given address and want to use your SIM card for longer. It might get suspended.

Data feature packs
They have a high default rate of 0.24 € per MB,
 * Daily Flat = Tagesflat (per calendar day = 0:00h - 23:59h) = 1.99 € (after 500 MB per day, speed drops to 32 kbit/s). There is a price cap of 20 € per month, so if you use it for 10 days, the remaining days are free. For subscription text START TAGESFLAT to 36 642 (free). The FUP says that after 5 GB per month, the speed also drops to 32 kbps.
 * monthly rates for 30 days:

To activate, text code to 36642 for free. You will receive a confirmation SMS and you need to reply JA to that to confirm. This will be confirmed again, then another SMS that your request is being processed, finally a confirmation that the option is active along with the end date or a message that you don't have enough credit.

The monthly flat renews automatically, if you have sufficient credit and the daily flat will remain your default rate. Text activation code and replace START by STOP to 36642 to prevent them from renewing.

When you have exceeded the data quota in the running time of the package, you'll get a SMS info and speed will be reduced to approx. 32 kbit/s. Then, you will be offered to buy a 'reload code' with 300 MB at 2.49 € or 500 MB at 4.99 € depending on base pack.

FONIC Mobile (formerly known as LIDL Mobile)
In 2015 LIDL changed partners. All old LIDL mobile SIM cards sold in their stores until Sept. 2015 are rebranded into FONIC mobile. The old tariffs have grandfathering and remain similar to regular Fonic rates. Top-up vouchers are still sold, but no Fonic starter packs at Lidl's anymore. From now on you'll have to choose a FONIC top-up voucher, not a LIDL-branded voucher for topping up their old SIM cards. We don't list FONIC Mobile anymore as SIM cards are only available online to be sent to a German postal address. To see their rates, check their updated pricelist. The new Lidl offer is now called LIDL Connect (see above) operating on the Vodafone network instead.

APN and more info

 * APN: pinternet.interkom.de
 * Tethering is allowed
 * Website (in German): www.fonic.de

NetzClub


NetzClub is a free ad-sponsored SIM card with a 100 MB high speed volume per month without charge. As a subsidiary of o2, Netzclub uses the combined E-PLus/o2 network, which is still good in performance mainly in the big cities.

Speed is up to 7.2 Mbit/s on 2G and 3G, but no 4G/LTE so far. After reaching 100 MB a throttle is activated at 32 kbit/s (= half GPRS speed).

Availability
Order and registration are only done online, because this SIM isn't sold offline in any stores. The SIM card will be sent to a German address free of charge within 5 - 7 days. So you need to have a German postal address to get the offer. They will only send out one SIM per person and a maximum of 3 SIMs per household (same last name and address). The SIM sent out by mail is a hybrid mini-, micro-, and nano-SIM. Change the option from bank transfer to top-up using vouchers (Aufladung mit o2 Guthabenkarte) during the registration process to order the card without a bank account and without a mandatory first payment.

You'll have to be willing to accept some ad mails to the given email account and some advertisement SMS will be sent to your number as well. This can amount to 30 SMS or mails per month but is normally much less. You can influence this a bit through the type and number of interests you select in your ad preferences. This is how this service is paid for after all. If you don't want junk ads, consider other offers instead.

Recharge and upsize
There is no need to have credit to use the free 100 MB data per month. To top up use o2 vouchers called "Loop" from 15 € or Tchibo cashcards from 10 €. To use bank transfer (from 0,01 €), see this site (in German).

When the 100 MB free data quota is used up, you can continue to use the 'flatrate' at a slower speed (32 kBit/s) for free or add one of these options: Take care, if you choose surfpacks with auto-renewal. This may be a bad deal in the long term: the monthly Surfpack renews every month as long you have enough credit and overrides the free data allowance in the next month. To discontinue you have to call customer service 0176 888 93939 (for 9c per min) or simply be low on credit to prevent auto-renewal.

EU Roaming package
For data roaming in all EU countries outside of Germany including Switzerland they offer two packages. You don't need to have booked a domestic package before: All roaming packages don't auto-renew and can be renewed anytime as often as you like. Max. speed is officially 1 MBit/s, but in reality often higher on 3G.
 * 50 MB for 24 hours: 1.95 €. For activation text "START EUSURF 50" to 22233
 * 100 MB for 7 days: 4.95 €. For activation text "START EUSURF 100" to 22233

Validity and refund
As long as you receive advertisement mails and SMS' your unused credit has an unlimited validity, which is unique for German pay as you go prepaid cards. If you choose not to use the card anymore you can have the left credit transfered to a German bank account.

APN and more information

 * Tethering and VoIP are not allowed in the T&Cs, but not actively blocked.


 * APN: pinternet.interkom.de
 * more info (in German): https://www.netzclub.net

ALDI TALK (a.k.a. MEDION mobile)
2G up to EDGE (220 Kbit/s), 3G up to HSPA+ and 4G/LTE at max. 21 Mbit/s. As an former E-Plus reseller, it now uses the combined E-Plus/o2 network on 4G/LTE too, making it one of the most popular MVNOs and one of the best deals in the country right now. For free roaming on o2 network you may need to enable data roaming on some devices.

Availability
Starter packs are exclusively available in any Aldi store, Germany's leading discount supermarket chain. They are not on display in the shops. You have to ask at the cash register (check-out) for it. SIM cards are available for 12.99 € with 10 € balance preloaded. Or order them online to be sent to a German postal address for the same price.

ALDI Talk starter packages (including those purchased at ALDI stores) come with a triple-combination SIM card in mini, micro and nano size cut-outs.

Reloads can be made with ALDI Talk vouchers from ALDI stores or any E-Plus vouchers widely available by typing *104*#. While usual E-Plus vouchers start at 15 €, you can find 5 € denominations only at Aldi stores.

Data feature packs
Default data rate is a high 0.24 € per MB. So add packages from the start.
 *  Daily package:  24 hours data plan (after 1 GB throttled to GPRS speed): € 1.99. For activation see below. Daily and monthly packs can be mixed. The daily bundle is activated by using a different APN (see below). Thus, monthly and daily flats can be used simultaneously by switching to the appropriate APN.
 * Monthly packages (all valid for 30 days):
 * Activation is done online, by ALDI Talk app or dial *121*004# to activate, *123# to check status of activation, *122# to cancel data pack after the present plan expires. If you don't dial this code, ALDI will automatically try to activate a new data plan after expiration of the present one.
 * Refill in the table means that you can refill the same data allowance again for the running time of the package by calling 1155, online or using the ALDI Talk app at the given price.

Billing for voice and text
ALDI talk charges slightly different call rates than the other providers shown. A domestic call to landlines or mobiles and a domestic SMS is billed with € 0.11/min (instead of 9 ct elsewhere). This doesn't need to be a disadvantage: "Community calls" (meaning Aldi to other Aldi numbers) are charged with 3 cents/min only and all calls are charged from the 2nd minute by the second (60/1) instead of by the minute (60/60) like most other providers do.

EU-Roaming Package
ALDI offers this only add-on for data roaming outside of Germany in all EU countries, Norway and Switzerland. For 500 MB in 7 days 4.99 € are charged. This package can be booked online or by ALDI Talk app. When expired (by volume or time) it doesn't automatically renew, but can be booked again. This can be a good deal for a light roaming data volume or if you need Switzerland included. For more data better check Vodafone (see above) or buy a local SIM in the destination country.

Technical Settings

 * APN for monthly packages: internet.eplus.de
 * APN for daily package: tagesflat.eplus.de
 * Username: eplus
 * Password: gprs
 * Enable data roaming for coverage of both o2 and Eplus networks

More info

 * Both tethering and VoIP are allowed


 * More information (in German): www.alditalk.de

NettoKOM and Norma Mobil
Both Norma Mobil and NettoKOM are on the combined network of E-Plus/o2 that has a fair coverage nationwide and a good performance in the cities. Their 2G is up to EDGE, 3G is up to HSPA+ and 4G/LTE up to 21 Mbit/s. For free roaming on o2 network you may need to enable data roaming.

Availability
NettoKOM starters are exclusively sold at Netto discounter markets (locator). Norma Mobil starters are only sold at Norma discounter stores (locator). At both chains you need to ask for the packs at the check-out.

Both chains sell their SIM card for 10 € with the same credit included. Default tariff line on NettoKOM is the "9 Cent Tarif" without any package attached. Don't take any other plan as you need a German bank account otherwise. On Norma Mobil a Smart M package (see below) is prebooked on their only starter and can't be stopped.

Their SIM card can be activated for NettoKOM online (in German only) for Norma Mobil online (go to "Freischalten" in German only). After visiting their website, there are 3 steps for activation, after these steps SIM card is activated within an hour.At many places reload vouchers can be bought. Any E-Plus voucher can be used; while Aldi and o2 vouchers won't work. Check credit by *100#, to top-up type *104* #.

Data feature packs
On NettoKOM or Norma Mobil data by default outside of packages is for € 0.24 per MB in 10 KB units.

Their packages last for 30 days. High-speed data will be used up to the specified limit, after reaching it, there will be a downgrade to GPRS/EDGE speed: All packages are auto-renewed at the end of the month. To stop call 1155 and dial 83.

Monthly bundles can be refilled in volume as often as you like within the running time of the package. When the initial traffic is used up, a SMS is sent out which needs to be confirmed with "JA" to double the initial volume.

EU-Roaming Package
They offer an add-on for data roaming outside of Germany in all EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. For 500 MB in 7 days 4.99 € are charged. This package can be booked online or by entering 1155 -> 8-1-5-2. When expired (by volume or time) it doesn't automatically renew, but can be booked again. This can be a good deal for a light roaming data volume or if you need Switzerland included. For more data better check Vodafone (see above) or buy a local SIM in the destination country.

Technical settings

 * APN: internet.eplus.de
 * Username: eplus
 * Password: gprs

More information

 * Tethering is allowed and VoIP is not blocked


 * NettoKOM website in German: http://www.nettokom.de/
 * Norma Mobile website in German: http://www.norma-mobil.de

Blau and Blauworld
Blau used to be a MVNO of E-Plus and made a relaunch in 2015. It's now a subsidiary of Telefónica. Furthermore, they sell the very similar looking brand of Blauworld. It's a different sub-brand of Blau aimed mostly at foreign workers. These SIM cards are often sold side by side and are easy to be mixed up.

Blau and Blauworld use the combined network of E-Plus/o2 which has a reasonable coverage nationwide and a good performance in the cities. Their 2G is up to EDGE, 3G is up to HSPA+ and 4G/LTE up to 21 Mbit/s. For free roaming on o2 network you may need to enable data roaming.

Availability
Blau and Blauworld starter packs can be found at a large number of retailers like branded o2 stores. But their tariffs can't be changed between brands. Blauworld is sold for 9.95 € with 10 € preloaded: at many service stations, some supermarkets, the big electronic market chains and at most o2-branded shops too. Blau sells a variety of starter packs. The regular 9c Tarif for 9.99 € with 10 € credit like Blauworld, but also starters with Blau M, L, Allnet-L or Surf M pre-configured. Starter price is the first month included for free. Starter Pack with SIM card can be registered online with Blauworld (online available in English) and with Blau (online available in German only). When you buy it in an O2 store, let them do the activation.

At many places mentioned reload vouchers can be bought. Blau-branded or or any E-Plus voucher can be used. Check credit by *100#, to top-up type *104* #.

Data feature packs
On Blau or Blauworld data by default outside of packages is for € 0.24 per MB in 10 KB units.

Their packages last for 30 days. High-speed data will be used up to the specified limit, after reaching it, there will be a downgrade to GPRS/EDGE speed. All packages must be booked through your personal account. They will auto-renew, if not stopped. Combo and data-only packs can't be mixed. Packages renew after 30 days. To stop them from doing so, dial 1155 -> 8-2.
 * on  Blau only :
 * on Blauworld only:
 * 1 GB: 9.99 €, activation: 1155 -> 8-1-5-1
 * 3 GB: 14.90 €, activation: 1155 -> 8-1-8-1
 * 5 GB: 19.90 €, activation: 1155 -> 8-1-4-1

Technical details

 * Tethering is allowed and VoIP is not blocked


 * APN: internet.eplus.de
 * Username: blau
 * Password: blau

More information

 * Blauworld website in English: http://www.blauworld.de/index-locale=en.php
 * Blau website in German: https://www.blau.de

Ay yildiz
This product with its Turkish name (meaning moon and star) is directed to the Turkish migrant market and the biggest immigrant group in Germany. Ay yildiz is a subsidiary of the now defunct E-Plus group (Telefónica) and uses the combined networks of E-Plus and o2. For free roaming on o2 network in 3G and 4G/LTE you may need to enable data roaming.

2G up to EDGE (220 Kbit/s), 3G up to HSPA+ with roaming on o2, 4G/LTE up to max. 21 Mbit/s.

Availability
Their starter pack contains a combined mini-/micro-/nano- SIM card. It's available from many kiosks at railway stations, service stations and can most often be found in small stores caring for Turkish migrants. It can also be ordered online to be sent to a German postal address. They charge 9.99 € for the package and give a starter credit of 7.50 € and another bonus of 2.50 €, if you top up by 15 € or more. You need to register and activate in online here.

Top-ups can be made almost everywhere. All E-Plus vouchers including Aldi talk codes can be used. Check credit by typing *100#, to top up, type *104* #.

Data feature packages
They now offer only one tariff line called "aystar". Default data rate is a high 0.29 € per MB. So buy packages valid for 30 days:

Included calls in combo packages are to all German lines and Turkish landlines. When included volume is used up, speed will be throttled to 56 kbit/s. You can reset data volume for more high speed data for the given rates.

To activate a package, text code to 77770 or call 1155 and follow instructions (that are only in German). All packages auto-renew after 30 days, if there is credit.

More information

 * Tethering is allowed, VoIP is officially banned, but works anyway


 * APN: internet.eplus.de
 * Password: eplus
 * Username: internet


 * Website (in German and Turkish only): http://www.ayyildiz.de

Ortel Mobile
Ortel Mobile is a product of the defunct E-Plus Group aimed at the ethno market competing with Lebara and Lycamobile. For free roaming on o2 network in 3G and 4G/LTE you may need to enable data roaming. I

2G is up to EDGE, 3G up to HSPA+ and 4G/LTE up to 21 Mbit/s on the combined E-Plus/o2 network.

Availability
Ortel mobile is the only SIM card in Germany that is easily available at major airports like FRA. A hybrid standard/micro/nano SIM is sold.
 * online from Ortel to be sent to a German postal address only (normally takes 2-3 working days)
 * for free: without credit
 * for 9.95 €: with 10 € credit and another 10 € bonus on the first top-up
 * at their vending partners in Germany like Shell service stations or "real" supermarkets, o2-branded stores and generally in inner cities at small shops targeting immigrants and migrant workers for 9.95 € with 7.50 € credit. Take care, there are two starter packs: one with a smartphone option pre-booked and the other without. Take the one without.

To top-up use E-Plus vouchers that are sold everywhere. Online top-ups by credit card or PayPal have been disabled, but can be made through agencies.

Registration / Activation
This is made online, see here: Euro4. For management (booking and cancellation of packages) an Ortel online account should be opened too.

It's one of the very few MVNOs in Germany that can be topped up by international credit cards, PayPal and even Paysafecard directly on their website. The website is available mostly in English.

Data feature packs
Default rate is the usual overpriced 0.25 € / MB (in 10 KB units). These packages are available for 30 days: For activation, text code to 77300. VoIP is officially only allowed with the 5 GB pack, but possible on other packs too. When included volume is used up, speed will be throttled to 56 kbps. All packages don't include SMS.

All monthly packages auto-renew if there is credit and not stopped. This can be done online on your account.

Technical details

 * APN: internet.eplus.de
 * Username: Eplus
 * Password: Internet

More info

 * here: Euro4
 * Website mostly in English (only your account is in German only): http://www.ortelmobile.de/

WhatsApp SIM
WhatsApp SIM is joint venture between Telefónica (former E-Plus) and the most popular social messenger app WhatsApp. It's mainly targeted at messenger users as it gives (almost) free data at slow speeds.

Speeds are in 2G up to EDGE, 3G up to HSPA+ and 4G/LTE up to 21 Mbit/s. WhatsApp SIM uses the combined network of E-Plus/o2. For free roaming on o2 network in 3G and 4G/LTE you may need to enable data roaming.

Availability
The starter pack is available online to be sent to German postal address or offline at many outlets or post offices for 10 €. The starter packs include a first data package of 10 € which can be discontinued before start and 5 € bonus credit, giving a total of 15 € credit. Combined mini and micro SIMs as well as nano SIMs are available.

It needs to be registered online here before use. The WhatsAll plan for 10 € is preconfigured in all starters. For topping up, any E-Plus voucher widely available can be used. You'll need to top-up at least 5 € every 6 months to keep the SIM card alive.

Default rate
Consumption and allowances are in units that can be used for data, domestic calls and texts. 1 unit = 1 MB of data, 1 minute of voice or 1 SMS.

The free allowance without having booked a plan, is now only 10 MB per month. Take care, that the 10 € plan (see below) is set by default and you have to reset it to the free basic allowance before use. Beyond 10 MB data won't be shut off but stays at throttled 32 kbps. That's why this SIM card is very suitable for messenger users who only need a slow speed for free.

Data feature packs
They sell two packages in which flexible "units" can be used for data, voice or SMS or any mixture of it. All packages last for 30 days. There is no way to upsize this package. For overuse, speed will be throttled to 32 kbps. WhatsApp use is still possible, but no VoIP calls and video messaging.
 * WhatsAll 300: € 5 = 300 units in MB, minutes and/or SMS
 * WhatsAll 1000: € 10 = 1000 units in MB, minutes and/or SMS

Packages can be booked on your personal account or by calling 1155. They will auto-renew, if there is credit and not stopped on your account or by calling 1155.

Technical Settings

 * APN: internet.eplus.de
 * Username: eplus
 * Password: gprs

More info

 * Tethering is allowed
 * Website in German: http://www.whatsappsim.de/