Deutsche Telekom profits plunge 58%

Not Surprised

Deutsche Telekom have relied on their monopoly for too long. The result has been bad service, poor provision of infrastructure and a focus on customers only as far as selling is concerned. Their organisatoin is ludicrously complex, doesn't know from department to department what the other is doing. Sound familiar? Just like BT, who's tender mercies I suffered from for a few years. Their competitors offer better services at considerably lower prices - often despite being forced to use the infrastructure supplied and maintained by DT..

My attempts to get broadband in germany over the last few years have been a farce. On and off DT contacted us trying to sell it. When we enquired if it was available, we were told yes - only for no kit to arrive and no follow up from DT. Our subsequent enquiries - when we could find someone who knew something about it always revealed that it wasn't available to us as we live in a small village. Meanwhile friends and colleagues a few kilometers away had the service. Eventually after about 3 years of fruitless offers we heard through the local authority that it was available, but that the sales people at DT may not know about it - so be persistant if an order was declined...

Finally able to place an order, we did. The kit arrived, the line was converted & we had the service - but at too low a speed. Calls to support got nowhere - except to say the technician had tested the ine & It was correct. Then the broadband disappeared with no explanation - eventually after repeated calls it was restored, still at the slow speed a few weeks later. Eventually the speed was corrected - but how we don't know.

DT have concentrated on foreign investments for far too long - and have lost sight of their roots - the domestic market. I pity the staff - they have some excellent and friendly people, but the structures and policies prevent them from working properly.