FAQs on router freedom

Routers are the basis for an intelligent, secure home network and internet access. The different routers vary in terms of functionality, security (for example port forwarding, firewall, parental controls, or secure guest access), and Wi-Fi performance. For further information, see the article How to get the best Wi-Fi.

It may also be important whether the router supports IP telephony, how many devices can be integrated into the network, and whether the router is also suitable for demanding multimedia applications such as streaming, smart TV, or online games.

Since January 2022, you can take advantage of router freedom for all types of connections. This is stipulated in the 'Beleidsregel Handhaving Besluit Eindapparaten (End Device Compliance Policy)'.

Thanks to router freedom, you can now select and buy your own router according to your needs, even on a cable or fibre optic connection. You no longer have to pay rental fees for the device or Wi-Fi, and you get free feature and security updates directly from the manufacturer. If you switch providers or move, you don't need to completely reconfigure your home network or Wi-Fi settings. An integrated router includes a modem, wireless router and phone system, as well as multimedia and smart home control, thus saving you money. Power consumption is also lower since all of these functions are combined in a single device.

The legal framework of the 'Beleidsregel Handhaving Besluit Eindapparaten' stipulates that all customers may select their own routers. The only prerequisite is that the terminal device (the modem or router) must be compatible with the technology of the respective connection and the provider must supply all of the information required to use it; they have been legally required to do so since January 2022.

Our website Vrije modemkeuze contains information on various providers. There you will also find all of the information you need to configure your FRITZ!Box for your internet connection, if information about your internet service provider is already available.

Since January 2022, network operators are legally required to provide customers with the account information for their connections. This includes the account information for all of the services made available by the provider for the connection. Generally, this means internet and telephony (Voice over IP).

Our website Vrije modemkeuze contains information on various providers. There you will also find all of the information you need to configure your FRITZ!Box for your internet connection, if information about your internet service provider is already available.

All conventional access technologies such as DSL, cable, mobile, and fibre optics are based on international standards that have enabled device manufacturers to develop products that have been compatible with the networks for many years. For example, DSL routers are suitable for use with almost all DSL connections, just as mobile network routers are suitable for almost any mobile network.

No, there is no difference. According to the 'Beleidsregel Handhaving Besluit Eindapparaten', router freedom means that users have the unrestricted right to connect any suitable router of their choice to their network interface (connection socket), regardless of their telecommunications provider.

This right applies equally to DSL, mobile, fibre optic, and cable customers. The router must fulfil the technical requirements for the respective connection or provider. Otherwise, a connection cannot be established. Refer to 2.1 for information on connecting a cable router to a cable connection.

Routers must be CE-certified and marked with the corresponding CE symbol. No additional certification, for example through the internet service provider, is necessary.

The manufacturers of end devices are responsible for the technical support of routers and modems, not the internet service providers.

For many years, FRITZ! has been offering comprehensive product support via phone, chat, and email, and provided guides for special application scenarios. You can find information about your FRITZ!Box and support requests in our service area.

Many diagnostic functions are also integrated into the FRITZ!Box that support users when they are experiencing connection issues.

FRITZ! provides regular free updates for its FRITZ!Box models.

You can use the 'automatic update' function to install the latest FRITZ!OS shortly after release. This function is preset in all FRITZ!Boxes for necessary updates, such as security updates, so you don't normally need to worry about updates.

According to the 'Beleidsregel Handhaving Besluit Eindapparaten', network operators are required to provide customers with the account information for the connection. If you have any questions or problems concerning the implementation of the freedom of choice of terminal equipment, you can also refer to ACM ConsuWijzer.

As explained in section 1.5, cable connections also comply with international standards. The FRITZ!Box Cable supports the network interface specifications used by all cable network operators (ETSI TS 102 639 (DOCSIS, EuroDOCSIS 3.0), ETSI TS 103 311 (DOCSIS 3.1 broadband cable connection for internet and telephony), as well as IETF RFC 3261 (Session Initiation Protocol for Voice over IP)).

In addition, specific adjustments may be necessary for individual cable providers, which they have been required to publish since January 2022. We assume that all manufacturers of cable routers make sure that their products are compatible with as many cable networks in the Netherlands as possible.

The following commercially available FRITZ!Box models are specifically designed for use with any cable connection:

• FRITZ!Box 6690 Cable with article number 20002995
• FRITZ!Box 6670 Cable with article number 20003083
• FRITZ!Box 6660 Cable with article number 20002984

Other products, such as the FRITZ!Box 6360, 6340, 6320, and the above-mentioned FRITZ!Box Cable models with different article numbers are expressly not intended for unrestricted free use and may not function the same way a FRITZ!Box Cable with the above-mentioned article number does when used with cable connections. It will also not be possible to support the interface specifications of these products, which we assume are the property of cable providers, in a way that would allow for unrestricted use in the future.

To connect to the internet, your FRITZ!Box must be unlocked or activated by your cable provider for internet access. The initial setup of your FRITZ!Box is defined by your provider and may vary. Your provider will inform you accordingly.

Connecting the FRITZ!Box at home is very simple: A clear quick guide directs you through the installation so that you don't need to have a technician help you. If you have any questions, you can consult the online help and FRITZ! telephone support.

You can find further information on setting up the FRITZ!Box on your cable connection on the page Vrije modemkeuze.

With the introduction of router freedom, there have been no special changes to the legal situation regarding renting or leasing the FRITZ!Box Cable. The existing conditions for a FRITZ!Box Cable provided by the network operator still apply. In the case of rented or leased devices, the cable provider is responsible for software updates and setting up their services on the device.