Competition in the fixed-line telephony markets has continued to develop over the past two years. Deutsche Telekom AG’s competitors have been able to consolidate their market position in the area of long-distance and international calls. Following the introduction of carrier pre-selection, competition in the local calls sector is increasing noticeably. In the wholesale sector, dependence on Deutsche Telekom AG is decreasing as alternative providers continue to expand their own network infrastructures. This is still taking place primarily at the level of long-distance networks, and here in particular on the main routes between and within major cities and conurbations. In order to be able to offer local calls nationwide, individual interconnection network operators are also pressing ahead with the expansion of their networks across the country.

There has been no progress in competition in the market for local loops or in the provision of unbundled access to the local loop. Here, Deutsche Telekom AG has been able to maintain its de facto monopoly. The same applies to broadband internet access.