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04-02-2006, 13:58
It SEEMED that the German market mobile was already saturated even a few years ago. Of course, prices were relatively high.
About a year ago Tchibo broke the ice with a "sensational" MVNO offer of 35 cents to all domestic phone 24-7. Not long after that SIMYO came in with 19 cents and the rush was on. Amazing what a little competition can do. And if you thought that was low, the Aldi chain caused another sensation end of 2005 (15 cents and 5 cents internal). It is not clear at this time if the orginal gang of 4 (T-MO, Voda, O2 and E+ -- did I miss one?) have markedly suffered from the low-cost competition.
It is hard to say whether Germany stands at the beginning of good times in the mobile phone market or then end of the discount offers. You are absolutely correct, Andy, that Uncle Wally is coming late to the party and its offer at this time is rather lame. Some folks are still waiting for Lidl to weigh in and others for the giant T-MO to make good on its recent verbal statement that it would not turn its market share over to discounters. The did institute NONSTOP (up to 2 hours on one call for the price of 1 or 2 minutes, can't exactly remember), but it is not clear how long that offer will last.
Roaming is still an issue in Germany as elsewhere. Teltarif today.
As I noted before, since we don't travel there but once a year at most, I am waiting until shortly before we leave to augment my collection of cards. I will keep alive what I have unless something better comes along.
Stan
Phones: DASH V3 (3)
Service: US T-MO post paid (2) - US T-MO prepaid (2) - UM+ - TravelSIM DE SIMYO - DE SUNSIM T-Mobile DE
Calling Cards: Onesuite Enjoyprepaid AT&T MCI Mobivox
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