In Germany, internet-based audio and video calls have surpassed traditional mobile network usage in 2024. According to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), the duration of audio conversations via messenger apps like WhatsApp reached 197 billion minutes in 2024, reflecting a significant shift toward over-the-top (OTT) communication services. This trend is driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones and high internet penetration, with 93% of the population using the internet in 2024.
Additionally, a 2023 Statista report noted that 64% of Germans made telephone calls (including video calls) via the internet, highlighting the growing reliance on apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger. Mobile data consumption has also surged, with Germans using 2 billion gigabytes in 2018 alone, a 40% increase from the previous year, partly due to the abolition of EU roaming charges in 2017.
However, Germany’s mobile and broadband infrastructure lags behind many European countries, with only 2% of connections using fiber optics and a 4G network ranked among the worst in Europe for speed and availability. This has led to challenges in supporting the rising demand for data-intensive services like video calls, especially in rural areas where connectivity remains patchy. Despite these issues, the dominance of OTT services continues to reshape communication habits, with traditional SMS and voice calls declining sharply—SMS usage dropped from 60 billion in 2012 to 8.9 billion in 2018.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 17 (June 9 – Sept 6, 2025) today for early bird discounts. Do annual for access to Blucera.com.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register to become a better CEO or Director with Tekedia CEO & Director Program.
The shift in Germany toward internet-based audio and video calls overtaking mobile network usage has significant implications, particularly in terms of infrastructure, economic impacts, and the growing digital divide. The surge in data-intensive services like video calls (197 billion minutes via messenger apps in 2024) puts pressure on Germany’s already lagging mobile and broadband networks. With only 2% of connections using fiber optics and a subpar 4G network, the infrastructure struggles to support high-speed, reliable connectivity, especially for rural areas.
This necessitates substantial investments in 5G and fiber-optic networks to meet demand, as mobile data consumption continues to grow (2 billion gigabytes in 2018, up 40% year-over-year). The reliance on over-the-top (OTT) services like WhatsApp and Skype reduces revenue for traditional telecom providers from voice calls and SMS (SMS usage fell from 60 billion in 2012 to 8.9 billion in 2018), potentially limiting their capacity to fund network upgrades without government intervention or new business models.
Economic and Industry Shifts
Telecom operators face declining revenues from traditional services, pushing them to pivot toward data-centric plans or value-added services. This could lead to higher consumer costs for data packages or premium connectivity options. The dominance of OTT platforms strengthens tech giants like Meta (WhatsApp) and Microsoft (Skype), raising concerns about market concentration and data privacy, as these services collect vast amounts of user data.
Regulatory scrutiny may increase, particularly under EU data protection frameworks like GDPR. The widespread adoption of internet calls (64% of Germans – The shift to OTT services reflects changing communication habits, with 93% internet penetration enabling seamless, cost-effective global connectivity. This fosters greater social and professional interactions but reduces reliance on traditional telecom infrastructure.
Urban areas benefit from better 4G/5G coverage and broadband access, enabling seamless use of OTT services. In contrast, rural regions suffer from patchy connectivity, with slow broadband speeds and unreliable mobile networks. This limits access to video calls and other data-heavy services, hindering remote work, education, and social connectivity in these areas.
For example, Germany’s 4G network ranks poorly in Europe for speed and availability, and rural areas often lack the infrastructure to support the 2 billion gigabytes of mobile data consumed in 2018. Lower-income households may struggle to afford smartphones or high-speed internet plans, limiting their ability to use OTT services. In 2023, 64% of Germans used internet calls, but the remaining 36%—often older or less tech-savvy individuals—may be excluded due to cost or digital literacy challenges.
Small businesses in rural areas face competitive disadvantages, as poor connectivity hampers their ability to engage in digital markets or adopt modern communication tools. The digital divide affects access to online education and remote work, both reliant on video conferencing tools. Rural students and workers are at a disadvantage, potentially widening educational and economic inequalities.
The Bundesnetzagentur’s 2024 data underscores the scale of OTT usage, but those without reliable internet are increasingly left behind in a communication landscape dominated by apps. Government initiatives, like Germany’s push for nationwide 5G and fiber-optic expansion, are critical. Subsidies for rural broadband deployment could bridge the gap. Training for older or less tech-savvy populations can boost adoption of OTT services, ensuring broader inclusion.
Telecoms could offer low-cost data plans, while public Wi-Fi initiatives in rural areas could enhance connectivity. This shift to internet-based communication highlights the urgency of addressing Germany’s digital infrastructure and equity challenges to ensure all citizens can participate in an increasingly connected world.