You can reclaim 240 euros from your mobile network operator!
Since April 1, 2026, many mobile users in Austria have been paying higher fees due to Wertsicherungsklauseln (value adjustment clauses) that allow operators to increase prices in line with inflation.
Major providers such as A1 and Magenta have raised their tariffs by around 3.5 percent, while increases at Drei can vary depending on the contract. These price hikes have left many customers paying more each month for their mobile services.
However, what many users do not realize is that they may actually be entitled to refunds from their providers. This relates to the Servicepauschale (service fee), which has been charged annually by most telecom companies since 2011.
Several court rulings have declared this fee unlawful, leading to legal action including a Verbandsverfahren (class action lawsuit) by the Arbeiterkammer (Chamber of Labour), as well as numerous individual claims against telecom providers.
Despite this, many customers have not requested refunds, either due to lack of awareness or other reasons. The annual fee ranged between €20 and €35, meaning users could reclaim significant amounts over time.
According to legal expert ماتياس شتروماير, who handled around 2,500 cases last year, some customers have received up to €240 in refunds. In one example, Drei was required to repay €1.5 million to affected users.
Customers who have paid the Servicepauschale can still request their money back free of charge, even if their contract has already ended.