Vodafone reorganises cable TV & radio frequencies in Germany — what to expect
Vodafone has started a nationwide reorganisation of TV and radio frequencies in its cable network. The change affects around 13 million households and aims to free up capacity for modern transmission technologies and higher internet speeds (including higher upload rates).
Why this is happening
- To standardise previously regional frequency allocations across the network.
- To create space for faster internet and future services.
- To prepare the network for higher upload rates and better utilisation.
Who is affected and when
The rollout began in summer 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by May 2026. It covers TV and radio channels across Germany.
What you may notice
- Modern smart TVs, the Vodafone GigaTV Box and recent receivers usually update channel positions automatically if they remain connected during the change.
- Older TVs/receivers often require a manual channel search (rescan). Personal settings such as favourites or scheduled recordings may be lost and need to be restored.
What to do
- Keep your device powered and connected during the announced change window (if possible) so newer devices can update automatically.
- If channels disappear, run a full automatic channel search/rescan on your TV or receiver.
- Check for firmware updates for your receiver/TV and update before the switch if available.
- Back up or note important recording/favourite settings if you use an older device.
- If problems persist, contact Vodafone support.
Sources & further reading
- Vodafone newsroom — official announcement
- CHIP — overview and tips
- Digitalfernsehen.de — technical details
Have you already noticed any channel changes after Vodafone’s update? Tell us about your experience in the comments.