Contingencies
This section provides additional information and explains recent changes in the contingent liabilities and assets as described in the consolidated financial statements for the 2021 financial year.
Claims relating to charges for the shared use of cable ducts. In the claims filed by Vodafone Deutschland GmbH and Vodafone Hessen et al. (now Vodafone West GmbH) against Telekom Deutschland GmbH alleging excessive charges for the use of cable ducts, which were referred by the Federal Court of Justice back to the responsible Higher Regional Courts, the plaintiff Vodafone Deutschland GmbH has since updated its demand for relief, which it now puts at approximately EUR 749 million plus interest for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021. It is currently not possible to estimate the financial impact with sufficient certainty.
Proceedings against T‑Mobile US in consequence of the cyberattack on T‑Mobile US. As reported in the combined management report of the 2021 Annual Report, consumer class actions were filed against T‑Mobile US and a derivative action was filed against the members of the Board of Directors of T‑Mobile US as a result of the cyberattack. The derivative action filed against the members of the Board of Directors of T‑Mobile US has since been withdrawn by the plaintiff. On July 22, 2022, T‑Mobile US entered into an agreement to settle the consumer class action in the Federal Court for USD 350 million (EUR 331 million). In addition, T‑Mobile US has committed to spending a total of USD 150 million (EUR 142 million) in 2022 and 2023 on data security and related technologies. The settlement is subject to court approval. Further proceedings brought in consequence of the cyberattack are still pending. In connection with the settlement reached and the further proceedings pending, T‑Mobile US has recognized provisions for risks of around USD 0.4 billion (around EUR 0.4 billion). With regard to inquiries by various government agencies, law enforcement and other state authorities, T‑Mobile US continues to give its full cooperation. At present the financial impact of these proceedings cannot be assessed with sufficient certainty.
Claims for damages against Slovak Telekom following a European Commission decision to impose fines. As reported in the combined management report of the 2021 Annual Report, following the decision of the European Commission, competitors filed damage actions against Slovak Telekom with the civil court in Bratislava. A further claim was filed with the court in the reporting period, such that there are now three claims pending, amounting to a total of EUR 219 million plus interest. It is currently not possible to estimate the financial impact with sufficient certainty.
Compensation in connection with the catastrophic flooding in July 2021. There are contingent assets of EUR 0.1 billion in connection with damage sustained in the catastrophic flooding in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate in July 2021.