freenet.de
freenet AG is a German multi-network MVNO and telecom retailer serving 8.2 million consumers and SMBs with mobile contracts across Telekom, Vodafone, and o2, plus waipu.tv streaming, freenet TV DVB-T2, DSL/5G internet, and devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi via 550+ retail shops and digital channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersDeutsch, Germany
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What freenet.de does
freenet AG is a Hamburg-based German telecommunications retailer and multi-network mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that distributes mobile contracts, smartphones, TV services, and internet connectivity to approximately 8.2 million individual consumers and SMB customers. The company resells mobile tariffs across all three major German networks—Telekom (D1), Vodafone (D2), and o2/Telefonica—allowing customers to compare and subscribe to plans from a single storefront rather than approaching each carrier directly. Its product portfolio spans SIM-only and device-bundled mobile contracts, freenet TV (DVB-T2 HD antenna service) and waipu.tv IPTV streaming (with cloud recording and multi-device access), DSL and 5G home internet, and resale of flagship devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi.
The business model is hybrid: subscription-recurring revenue from mobile, TV, and internet contracts forms the core, complemented by one-time hardware sales of smartphones and tablets (with 12-36 month installment plans), accessories, and ancillary services such as device repair, trade-in, insurance, and number portability. Distribution is omnichannel, combining a physical network of over 550 freenet retail shops staffed by 1,500+ advisors with direct-to-consumer digital channels (freenet.de website, freenet Mobilfunk iOS/Android app, and phone sales at 040 55 55 41441). Pricing is competitive and tiered, with entry SIM-only plans from approximately €9.99/month, mid-tier 20-50GB plans at €14.99-34.95/month, unlimited data plans at €31.99-44.95/month, waipu.tv Comfort from €4.99/month, and 5G home internet from €34.99/month, plus one-time connection fees of €29.99-39.99.
Strategically, freenet's positioning rests on being the only major German aggregator offering true multi-network choice under one brand, reinforced by a physical retail footprint no digital-only MVNO can match. Core partnerships anchor each revenue stream: Telekom, Vodafone, and o2/Telefonica for mobile network access; waipu.tv for IPTV content; RTL Deutschland for freenet TV DVB-T2 content; DAZN for sports bundling; and authorized reseller relationships with Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi for device distribution. The company is led by CEO Christoph Vilanek and operates exclusively within Germany, with global WLAN hotspot access (approximately 150 million hotspots in 120 countries) offered only as a roaming add-on for domestic subscribers.
freenet.de firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- freenet.de
- Legal name
- freenet AG
- Website
- https://freenet.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- freenet AG is a German multi-network MVNO and telecom retailer serving 8.2 million consumers and SMBs with mobile contracts across Telekom, Vodafone, and o2, plus waipu.tv streaming, freenet TV DVB-T2, DSL/5G internet, and devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi via 550+ retail shops and digital channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
freenet.de industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mobile Telecommunications Retail
- NAICS
- Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Telecommunications Resellers and Agents for Wireless Telecommunication Services (51712)
- SIC
- Cable & Other Pay Television Services (4841), Retail-Radio, Tv & Consumer Electronics Stores (5731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pay-TV Value-Added Services (DVR, VOD, TV Everywhere, Apps) (MPABAGAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Billing, Payments & Subscription Management (MPAHAJAC)
Keywords
Where freenet.de is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Deutsch
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices9 records
Markets served
freenet.de business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Mobile Contract Subscriptions: Monthly recurring revenue from mobile phone contracts (SIM-only and device bundles) across Telekom, Vodafone, and o2/Telefonica networks. Includes Allnet Flats with voice/SMS and data packages ranging from 5GB to unlimited.
- TV Streaming Subscriptions: Monthly subscription revenue from waipu.tv IPTV service offering multiple packages (Comfort, Perfect Plus) with varying channel counts, HD quality, and recording capabilities. Also includes freenet TV DVB-T2 service.
- Device Sales (Smartphones, Tablets): One-time revenue from sale of smartphones (Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi) and tablets with or without bundled service contracts. Devices available with installment payment plans over 12-36 months.
- Internet Services: DSL and 5G home internet services providing fixed-line and mobile broadband connectivity for residential customers.
- Accessories and Protection Products: Revenue from sale of phone cases, chargers, cables, powerbanks, audio equipment, smartwatches, and VR/MR glasses. Also includes device protection and insurance services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Entry-level SIM-only plans with limited data (1-10 GB) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Mid-range mobile tariffs (20-50 GB) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Unlimited data tariffs |
| Subscription | Monthly | waipu.tv Comfort streaming package |
| Subscription | Monthly | waipu.tv Perfect Plus premium package |
| Subscription | Monthly | freenet TV DVB-T2 antenna TV |
| Subscription | Monthly | 5G Home Internet |
| Subscription | Monthly | DSL Fixed-line Internet |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Smartphone installment payments |
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Connection fee |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
freenet.de product offering
Product offeringCore offering
freenet.de is a German telecommunications retailer and mobile virtual network operator that resells mobile phone contracts, smartphones, tablets, and accessories across all three major German networks (Telekom, Vodafone, o2/Telefonica). It also distributes its own freenet TV DVB-T2 HD antenna service and waipu.tv IPTV streaming subscription, alongside DSL and 5G home internet products. Revenue is driven by recurring subscription fees on mobile, TV, and internet contracts, supplemented by device sales and value-added services such as insurance, repair, and device trade-in.
Product overview
freenet.de is a German telecommunications retailer operating as a multi-network mobile virtual operator (MVNO) offering bundled telecommunications services. The core offering consists of mobile phone tariffs (SIM-Only and device bundles) across Telekom, Vodafone, and o2/Telefónica networks; television services (freenet TV DVB-T2 antenna service and waipu.tv streaming with 300+ channels); and home internet (DSL and 5G). The product portfolio includes smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi with or without contracts; tablets from Apple and Samsung; and accessories including chargers, audio equipment, wearables, and smart home devices. Services include contract management, repairs, device trade-ins, insurance, and number portability. The company maintains a physical retail network of over 550 shops across Germany and serves approximately 8.2 million customers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- freenet TV: DVB-T2 HD television service offering Full HD channels via antenna
- waipu.tv
- klarmobil.de
- freenetmobile.de
- freenet-video.de
- freenet-funk.de
- freenet-flex.de
Products and services
- SIM-Only Mobile Tariffs (Handytarife ohne Handy) Mobile phone tariffs sold without a device subsidy, allowing customers to use their own smartphones on Telekom, Vodafone, or o2 networks with Allnet Flat voice/SMS and data packages from 1 GB to unlimited.
- Mobile Contracts with Handset (Handytarife mit Handy) Smartphone contracts bundling a handset (Apple, Samsung, Google, or Xiaomi) with a tariff plan from major German networks, including 12-36 month installment payment options.
- freenet TV (DVB-T2 HD) Antenna-based DVB-T2 HD television service providing up to 69 private and public TV channels in Full HD quality without requiring an internet connection, including a CI+ module for compatible televisions.
- waipu.tv IPTV Streaming Internet-based TV streaming service with over 300 channels, more than 40,000 on-demand titles, cloud-based recording, and multi-device access, offered in Comfort and Perfect Plus packages with monthly cancellation.
- freenet Internet 5G 5G home internet service offering up to 300 Mbit/s speed and high data volumes for residential connectivity, activated via a plug-and-play router supplied by freenet.
- freenet Internet DSL Fixed-line DSL internet service with speeds up to 250 Mbit/s and a one-month minimum term with monthly cancellation flexibility.
- Tablets with Contract Tablets bundled with mobile data contracts, including iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, and Xiaomi tablets with LTE/5G connectivity.
- Tablets without Contract Tablets sold without contracts for use with existing SIM cards or WiFi-only, available from Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi.
- iPhone Smartphones (Apple) Apple iPhone smartphones available with or without freenet tariff contracts, covering the iPhone 17 series, iPhone 16e, and other models running iOS.
- Samsung Galaxy Smartphones Samsung Galaxy smartphones including the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy A series, and Galaxy Z foldables (Z Flip7, Z Fold7), available with or without freenet tariff contracts.
- Google Pixel Smartphones Google Pixel smartphones including the Pixel 10 series and Pixel Watch wearables, featuring Android OS with Google AI integration, offered with or without contracts.
- Xiaomi Smartphones Xiaomi smartphones including Xiaomi 17 series, Redmi series, and POCO models, offering modern features at competitive price points.
- Accessories (Zubehör) Phone and tablet accessories including chargers, cables, power banks, cases, audio equipment, Apple Watches, smart home devices, and VR/MR glasses.
- Contract Renewal Service (Vertragsverlängerung) Contract renewal service allowing existing freenet customers to extend mobile contracts, upgrade devices, or receive loyalty credits.
- Mobile Phone Repair and Setup (Handy-Reparatur & Handy-Einrichtung) Mobile phone repair services and device setup assistance for customers, delivered in-shop.
- Mobile Phone Insurance (Handy-Versicherung) Mobile phone insurance coverage for damage, theft, and breakdown protection on devices purchased through freenet.
- Device Trade-In and Recycling (Handy-Ankauf & Rücknahme) Trade-in and recycling service that buys back old smartphones and tablets from customers.
- Number Portability (Rufnummernmitnahme) Phone number portability service allowing customers to retain their existing mobile number when switching providers to a freenet contract.
- freenet Mobilfunk App Mobile app for freenet customers on iOS and Android enabling contract management, bill viewing, additional service ordering, and support.
- freenet Hotspot Flat (Add-on) WiFi hotspot add-on providing access to approximately 150 million hotspots across 120 countries to reduce mobile data consumption while roaming.
- freenet Retail Shops Physical retail store network of over 550 shops across Germany offering in-person customer service, device sales, contract management, repairs, and buyback services.
Quantifiable outcome
- 8.2 million satisfied customers served
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use freenet.de
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
freenet.de technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
freenet.de partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Telekom (D1 Network)coreNetwork partnership offering mobile tariffs on the Telekom D1 network, which provides excellent rural coverage and network reliability. freenet resells Magenta Mobil tariffs as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
- Vodafone (D2 Network)coreNetwork partnership offering mobile tariffs on the Vodafone D2 network, providing high-speed LTE/5G connectivity and extensive coverage. freenet resells GigaMobil and Red tariffs.
- o2/TelefonicacoreNetwork partnership offering mobile tariffs on the o2/Telefonica network, providing competitive pricing and strong 5G coverage. freenet resells o2 Mobile tariffs with lifetime discounts.
- waipu.tvcoreStrategic partnership for IPTV streaming service distribution. freenet resells waipu.tv packages (Comfort, Perfect Plus) offering over 250 TV channels, cloud PVR, and streaming on multiple devices. Joint go-to-market with bundled offerings.
- ApplecoreAuthorized reseller of Apple iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch products. Offers devices with contract bundles and as standalone purchases. Full range from entry iPhone SE to flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- SamsungcoreAuthorized reseller of Samsung smartphones (Galaxy S, A, Z series), tablets (Galaxy Tab), and wearables. Full range from budget Galaxy A-series to premium Galaxy S25 Ultra and foldable Z Flip/Fold series.
- GooglecoreAuthorized reseller of Google Pixel smartphones and Pixel Watch wearables. Offers devices including Pixel 10 series with or without contracts.
- XiaomimajorAuthorized reseller of Xiaomi smartphones (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO series) and tablets. Offers budget to mid-range devices at competitive prices.
- DAZNminorSports streaming partnership offering DAZN Unlimited access bundled with waipu.tv Perfect Plus package, including Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League content.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights6 records
freenet.de competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- 1&1 AG (Drillisch): 1&1 AG, via its Drillisch subsidiary, is Germany's largest independent multi-network MVNO/reseller, operating brands such as WinSIM, PremiumSIM, Smartmobil, and Yourfone. It is freenet's closest direct competitor in reselling tariffs across Telekom, Vodafone, and o2 networks.
- The Phone House (Telering): The Phone House is a German telecom specialty retailer offering mobile contracts and devices from multiple networks, directly overlapping with freenet's multi-network retail proposition.
- MediaMarkt Saturn Retail Group: MediaMarkt and Saturn sell smartphones, tablets, and mobile service contracts across Germany through an extensive physical retail footprint, competing directly with freenet's 550+ shops on device bundles and tariff attachment.
Emerging players
- Otelo (Vodafone sub-brand): Otelo is a low-cost mobile sub-brand operated on Vodafone's D2 network, competing with freenet's budget mobile offerings (klarmobil, freenetmobile) on price-sensitive German consumers.
- waipu.tv (Exaring AG): waipu.tv is the IPTV streaming platform whose service freenet resells and bundles; it is both a partner and a partial competitor as Exaring also sells waipu.tv directly to consumers through its own channels.
- CONGSTAR (Telekom sub-brand): Congstar is Deutsche Telekom's second mobile brand, offering discounted tariffs on the D1 network and competing head-to-head with freenet's Telekom-based SIM-only and contract offerings.
Broad incumbents
- Telefónica Deutschland (o2): Telefónica Deutschland provides o2 network wholesale access to freenet and directly competes with its own o2 Mobile tariffs, often at aggressive price points targeting similar value-conscious German consumers.
- Deutsche Telekom AG: Deutsche Telekom is one of freenet's wholesale network partners (D1) and a direct retail competitor through its own MagentaMobil tariffs, shops, and bundled offerings — making it both supplier and rival.
- Vodafone GmbH: Vodafone Germany supplies D2 network capacity to freenet for GigaMobil/Red tariffs and simultaneously sells mobile and TV services directly to consumers through its own retail and digital channels.
Others
- DAZN: DAZN is a sports streaming service bundled by freenet with waipu.tv Perfect Plus; it is an ecosystem/partner rather than direct competitor but competes for the same sports-content consumer wallet.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
freenet.de social profiles
Digital presencefreenet.de financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
freenet.de leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
freenet.de funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
freenet.de M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about freenet.de
What does freenet.de do?
freenet.de is a German telecommunications retailer and mobile virtual network operator that resells mobile phone contracts, smartphones, tablets, and accessories across all three major German networks (Telekom, Vodafone, o2/Telefonica). It also distributes its own freenet TV DVB-T2 HD antenna service and waipu.tv IPTV streaming subscription, alongside DSL and 5G home internet products. Revenue is driven by recurring subscription fees on mobile, TV, and internet contracts, supplemented by device sales and value-added services such as insurance, repair, and device trade-in.
Is freenet.de a public or private company?
freenet.de is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was freenet.de founded?
freenet.de was founded in 1999. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is freenet.de based?
freenet.de is headquartered in Deutsch, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does freenet.de make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Mobile Contract Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are TV Streaming Subscriptions, device Sales (Smartphones, Tablets), internet Services and accessories and Protection Products.
Who are freenet.de's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are 1&1 AG (Drillisch), The Phone House (Telering) and MediaMarkt Saturn Retail Group. Emerging players are Otelo (Vodafone sub-brand), waipu.tv (Exaring AG) and CONGSTAR (Telekom sub-brand). Broad incumbents are Telefónica Deutschland (o2), Deutsche Telekom AG and Vodafone GmbH. DAZN is listed as an others.
Does freenet.de have an API?
No public API is recorded for freenet.de.
What industry is freenet.de in?
freenet.de's product category is Mobile Telecommunications Retail. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPABAGAG, Pay-TV Value-Added Services (DVR, VOD, TV Everywhere, Apps), with a secondary code of MPAHAJAC, Billing, Payments & Subscription Management. Its NAICS code is 516210 and its SIC code is 4841.