---
title: "New law lets German internet users connect with their own routers (CIO.com)"
date: 2016-07-28
categories:
  - english
  - article
tags:
  - RouterFreedom
  - Policy
  - FSFE
# headerimage:
#   src: foo.jpg
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summary: CIO.com reported on Germany's landmark router freedom law that ended compulsory routers. I was quoted on the significance of this success after years of FSFE advocacy, explaining how users can now freely choose and configure their own network equipment – a major victory for consumer rights and digital autonomy.
article:
  name: CIO.com
  href: https://web.archive.org/web/20190613105440/https://www.cio.com/article/3101864/new-law-lets-german-internet-users-connect-with-their-own-routers.html
---

CIO.com covered the implementation of Germany's groundbreaking router freedom law, which ended the practice of internet service providers forcing customers to use specific routers. I was quoted on this milestone achievement after years of advocacy by the FSFE and coalition partners. The new law establishes clear rules: ISPs must provide connection credentials to customers, allowing them to use routers of their choice, while ISPs remain responsible for the connection up to the network termination point.

I explained the broader implications beyond just router choice:

> This is about control over your own equipment, security updates, privacy, and the ability to customize your home network according to your needs rather than your ISP's limitations. It sets an important precedent for consumer rights in the digital age.

The law particularly benefits technically savvy users who want to run alternative firmware like OpenWrt, configure advanced security settings, or simply use more powerful hardware than ISPs typically provide.

The [full article](https://web.archive.org/web/20190613105440/https://www.cio.com/article/3101864/new-law-lets-german-internet-users-connect-with-their-own-routers.html) with details on the law's implementation timeline and industry reactions is available on CIO.com.
