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Vodafone Challenges German Antitrust Watchdog Over Bias Claims

By  |  December 1, 2025

Vodafone has escalated its dispute with Germany’s competition regulator, accusing the Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt/BKartA) of favoring rival operator 1&1 as part of an ongoing antitrust case. The company has requested interim legal protection while the matter proceeds in court, according to a statement seen by local media.

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    The disagreement stems from an April decision in which Vodafone Germany and Vantage Towers were found to have engaged in anti-competitive conduct during a preliminary phase of the BKartA investigation. Regulators have been assessing whether delays in granting 1&1 access to mobile tower sites hindered the newcomer’s attempt to build out its network. Per a TelcoTitans update, the case centers on whether the companies’ actions slowed 1&1’s entry into the German mobile market.

    Vodafone has reportedly argued that the BKartA failed to follow proper procedure and may have exceeded its legal powers in its approach to the investigation. The company has submitted an appeal to the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf, again contending that the allegations raised by 1&1 lack substance, according to a statement referenced in the same reports.

    Related: Vodafone Portugal CEO Criticizes Telecom Regulator Over Blocked Deal

    The BKartA has rejected Vodafone’s concerns, telling TelcoTitans that all proceedings are carried out “impartially and without prejudice” and describing claims of partiality as “entirely unfounded”. The authority has been reviewing slow progress in 1&1’s mobile network rollout, which is subject to coverage obligations set by federal regulator Bundesnetzagentur in 2019. After missing key milestones, 1&1 blamed delays on site access issues linked to its 2021 lease deal with Vantage.

    A formal complaint from 1&1 in 2023 prompted the current probe into whether Vodafone and Vantage breached German and European competition law. The BKartA issued a Statement of Objections in April 2025, indicating its view that the pair abused their dominant position. A final ruling had been expected soon, per TelcoTitans, though Vodafone’s fresh legal maneuver may push back the timeline.

    Vodafone Group has acknowledged potential financial consequences if the regulator ultimately rules against it. In its most recent earnings update, the company warned it may face a “disgorgement” order requiring the repayment of any “alleged economic advantage” linked to the case. “While the outcome is uncertain, the Group believes it has strong defenses and that it is probable no present obligation exists”, Vodafone said in early-November.
    Source: TelcoTitans