Is your 1&1 mobile internet down? You’re definitely not the only one. Reports of widespread network issues have been flooding in, suggesting a significant outage impacting numerous users across Germany. But what’s going on, and more importantly, what can you do about it? Let’s dive into the details.
The Mobile Network Mayhem: A Quick Recap (Updated March 14, 2025, 10:45 AM)
As of this morning, the 1&1 network outage persists. Users are still reporting connection problems, and the company hasn’t released an official statement beyond acknowledging the ongoing “limitations” within their network. So, what does this mean for you, a 1&1 customer? Unfortunately, it’s mostly a waiting game.
1&1’s initial statement was brief: “Unfortunately, there are currently limitations in our 1&1 network. We are working to ensure that you can use all functions again soon. We apologize for the inconvenience.” A standard corporate apology, but it doesn’t tell us much, does it?
The O2 Mix-Up: Clearing the Confusion
Initially, there was some speculation that O2 customers might also be affected, as Allestörungen (a German outage reporting site) showed a spike in reports for O2 as well. However, O2 quickly clarified that their network was functioning perfectly. So, where did the confusion come from? 1&1, while building out its own network, still relies on O2’s network (and Vodafone’s) in many areas. Turns out, the problem *wasn’t* O2’s infrastructure.
Telefónica (O2’s parent company) stated: “We are currently observing restrictions in the network of the service provider 1&1. We would like to clarify that the O2 network is working perfectly. O2 Telefónica customers can make calls and use all their digital applications without any problems. Fault reports that incorrectly refer to O2 Telefónica are related to the restrictions within the area of responsibility of the service provider.”
Consider it like this: Imagine a highway system. O2 and Vodafone provide the highways (the underlying network infrastructure), and 1&1 is a delivery service that uses those highways. If 1&1’s trucks (their internal systems) are malfunctioning, deliveries (your internet access) are delayed, even if the highways themselves are fine.
Network Outage Analogy: 1&1’s trucks are delayed on the O2/Vodafone highway.
Who’s Affected? It’s More Than Just 1&1
The outage isn’t isolated to just 1&1 customers. Users of PremiumSIM, WinSIM, and simplyTel are also reporting issues. Why? Because these providers also utilize the 1&1 network. Currently, it seems the problem lies within 1&1’s own infrastructure, rather than the underlying networks of O2 or Vodafone.
Where Are the Reports Coming From?
The problem seems to be impacting users across various regions of Germany. Reports have surged since 1 PM, with affected customers located in many areas. Here are a few key locations experiencing problems:
- Hamburg
- Hannover
- Berlin
- Leipzig
- Cologne
- Düsseldorf
- Frankfurt am Main
- Mannheim
- Stuttgart
- Münich
Interestingly, the majority of reports are coming from densely populated urban areas. Rural regions seem to be less affected, at least according to current data. Two test connections from teltarif.de, one in Spessart and the other in Odenwald, are functioning without issues. One uses an original 1&1 eSIM profile, and the other uses a SIM card from Drillisch Online (operating on the 1&1 network).
Is it just in cities? Potentially. And it highlights a complex situation regarding how the 1&1 network interacts in different environments.
What’s Causing the Outage? The Million-Dollar Question
Unfortunately, there’s no official word yet on the root cause of the disruption. The specific problem and the estimated time for a fix remain unknown. All we can do is wait for official updates from 1&1. We’ll update this article as soon as more information becomes available.
Roaming Realities: Another Layer of Complexity
It appears the issue is independent of whether customers are using national roaming on the Telefónica (O2) network or the Vodafone network. Even customers with SIM cards from O2 or Vodafone are seeing that 1&1’s roaming partner networks are working correctly. The problem appears to be solely within 1&1’s own network infrastructure.
The issue seems to be with the relative newcomer among German mobile network operators.
The Core Network Migration: A Key Detail
Customers whose connections haven’t yet been migrated to 1&1’s core network are reportedly unaffected. However, 1&1 is in the process of migrating all mobile connections to its own network, a process that regulatory requirements mandate must be completed by the end of the year. So, the long-term stability of this new core network is definitely something to watch.
Seeking Answers: Our Inquiry to 1&1
We’ve reached out to 1&1’s press office, seeking clarification on the problem’s scope, the extent of customer impact, and an estimated resolution time. We’ll update this article with their response as soon as we receive it. Stay tuned.
Update: Störung Allegedly Resolved as of 6 PM (March 13, 2025)
According to 1&1’s press office: “The reliable supply of our customers with telephony and internet services is our top priority. We naturally resolve disruptions as quickly as possible. We can confirm that on March 13, 2025, a small portion of our customers experienced temporary impairments to mobile services. The troubleshooting was carried out immediately and has already been completed. “
The Allestörungen portal also shows a decline in error reports, suggesting the issue has indeed been resolved for many users.
Trend Chart: Showing declining outage reports as of 6PM on March 13, 2025.
Key Takeaways: What We Know
- A significant 1&1 mobile network outage occurred on March 13, 2025.
- The issue affected customers in various urban areas across Germany.
- PremiumSIM, WinSIM, and simplyTel customers were also impacted.
- The problem was likely within 1&1’s own network infrastructure, not O2 or Vodafone.
- The cause of the outage remains undisclosed by 1&1.
- 1&1 claims the issue was resolved by 6 PM on March 13, 2025, and reports are trending downward.
No Cause Given
The network operator provided no information on the cause of the failure or the circumstances under which customers were affected.
What’s Next for 1&1?
The network intends to be released on the stock market in March. It will be interesting to see whether an event like this affects the brand negatively or not.
So, what does all of this mean? Network outages happen. But transparency and clear communication are key to maintaining customer trust. While 1&1 has stated the problem is resolved, the lack of detail regarding the cause leaves some questions unanswered. Is this a temporary blip, or a sign of growing pains as 1&1 builds out its network? Only time will tell. And for now, keep an eye on those connection bars!
Troubleshooting Your 1&1 Mobile Connection: A DIY Guide
While waiting for official updates, here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot your 1&1 mobile connection. These steps can help you identify whether the problem is on 1&1’s side or with your device.
Step 1: The Obvious – Restart Your Device
Yes, it’s cliché, but it often works! A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with your connection. Power down your smartphone or tablet completely, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.
Step 2: Check Your SIM Card
Ensure your SIM card is properly inserted. Remove the SIM card, gently wipe it with a clean, dry cloth, and reinsert it. Sometimes, dust or debris can interfere with the connection.
Step 3: Toggle Airplane Mode
Turn on Airplane Mode for about 15 seconds, then turn it off. This forces your device to re-establish a connection with the mobile network.
Step 4: Manually Select Your Network
Sometimes, your phone might be trying to connect to a weaker network. Manually select the 1&1 network in your phone’s settings:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Find “Mobile Network” or “Connections. “
- Select “Network Operators” or “Carrier.”
- Choose “Search Networks. “
- Select “1&1” from the list of available networks.
Step 5: Check Your Data Roaming Settings
Even if you’re not roaming internationally, sometimes your phone might be misconfigured. Ensure data roaming is enabled:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Find “Mobile Network” or “Connections.”
- Look for “Data Roaming” and ensure it’s switched on.
Step 6: Test Your Connection in a Different Location
Move to a different location, preferably one with a clear line of sight to cell towers. This helps rule out localized signal issues.
Step 7: Check Your 1&1 Account
Log in to your 1&1 account online or via the app. Ensure your account is active and that there are no billing issues that might be causing a service interruption.
Step 8: Consult Social Media and Online Forums
See what other 1&1 customers are saying on social media platforms like Twitter (X) or in online forums. This can provide valuable insights into the extent of the outage and potential workarounds.
Step 9: Update Your Device’s Software
Ensure your phone’s operating system is up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements to network connectivity.
Step 10: Contact 1&1 Support (If All Else Fails)
If you’ve tried all the above steps and your connection is still down, contact 1&1 support directly. Be prepared to provide them with details about your location, device, and the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.
Future-Proofing Your Mobile Connection: Tips for Staying Connected
Network outages are frustrating, but there are steps you can take to minimize their impact on your mobile connectivity.
- Consider a Backup Plan: Having a second SIM card from a different provider or a mobile hotspot can provide a backup connection in case of an outage.
- Utilize Wi-Fi Whenever Possible: Connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever available to conserve mobile data and ensure a stable connection.
- Download Content in Advance: Download movies, music, and podcasts to your device when you have a stable connection, so you can still enjoy them during an outage.
- Stay Informed: Follow 1&1’s official communication channels (website, social media) for updates on network status and potential outages.
The Future of 1&1’s Network: What to Expect
1&1’s ambitious project of building its own nationwide 5G network is a significant undertaking. While the migration process may encounter some hiccups along the way, the long-term goal is to provide faster, more reliable mobile internet access to its customers. Keep an eye on technology news and industry reports for updates on 1&1’s network expansion and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 1&1 Outage
What caused the 1&1 mobile network outage in March 2025?
The exact cause of the outage remains undisclosed by 1&1. The company has not provided specific details regarding the failure.
Which providers were affected by the 1&1 outage?
Besides 1&1 customers, users of PremiumSIM, WinSIM, and simplyTel were also impacted because these providers utilize the 1&1 network.
When was the 1&1 outage reportedly resolved?
1&1 claims the issue was resolved by 6 PM on March 13, 2025. Reports on Allestörungen have also shown a decline, suggesting the issue was resolved for many users.
Was the outage related to O2 or Vodafone’s network?
No, the problem was likely within 1&1’s own network infrastructure, not the underlying networks of O2 or Vodafone, which 1&1 uses in many areas.
Final Thoughts on the 1&1 Network Disruption
Network outages are unfortunately a reality, but clear communication and transparency are essential to maintain customer trust. While 1&1 has stated the problem is resolved, the lack of detail regarding the cause raises concerns. It remains to be seen whether this was a one-time incident or a sign of ongoing issues as 1&1 develops its network.
