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 2023 financial year.
Claims relating to charges for the shared use of cable ducts. In the claims filed by Vodafone Deutschland GmbH and 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 plaintiffs have since updated their demands for relief. Vodafone Deutschland GmbH now puts its claim at around EUR 903 million plus interest for the period from January 2012 to December 2023; Vodafone West now puts its claim at around EUR 538 million plus interest for the period from January 2016 to April 2024. 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 in August 2021. The derivative action brought in these proceedings by a purported shareholder against the members of the Board of Directors of T‑Mobile US and against T‑Mobile US as nominal defendant in September 2022 was dismissed in its entirety in May 2024. The plaintiff has appealed against this decision. In connection with the consumer class action in the Federal Court, the appeal filed by a class member against the awarding of lawyers’ fees to the lawyer for the class was allowed in July 2024. Consequently, the court must rule again on the awarding. This has no impact on the agreement concluded in July 2022 to settle the consumer class action. T‑Mobile US expects that the USD 315 million still outstanding from the original settlement amount of USD 350 million will be paid out at the end of November 2024. In addition, an agreement was reached on the inquiries made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Claims for damages against Deutsche Telekom AG, including due to insolvency of Phones4U. After the High Court of Justice in London rejected all claims made by Phones4U against all defendants in 2023 as well as an application for leave to lodge an appeal, Phones4U continued to pursue this application with the Court of Appeal. On March 26, 2024, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal by Phones4U.