Dear Rebtel friends,
Unfortunately O2 has decided to block Rebtel in Germany. That means that O2 customers could not call our local German numbers during several days. As a temporary solution we have set up new number series for Germany which means you should be able to create new local numbers to your friends in other countries again. However your old local numbers to existing friends have been changed. Please go to www.rebtel.com to view your new local numbers.
The reason why O2 wants to stop Rebtel is pretty obvious. They have very high margins on their international calling and want to stop any threats to that. Their actions violate not only the crystal clear EU-regulations but are also a breach of your contract with O2(!). This should be more than enough for you as an O2 customer to end your contract (..and maybe also keep your iPhone 
and switch to another operator that allows you to call any number you please, including Rebtel access numbers.
If you are as upset as we are about this and feel like you want to blow off some steam you might want to consider sending an mail to the boss of O2 in Germany, Mr. Jaime Smith Basterra (jaime.smith@o2.com), or you can call their support desk on 0049 179 55 22 2. Just to stick it to them, you might want to consider adding the number to your Rebtel contact list and call them through us.
To summarize, we are sorry this happened. It shouldn’t have to. This is now a race between O2 and us. Every new number series we launch they will try to block. This is not the first time O2 block international calling services that allow users to call cheaper. However, we are determined not to back down and will make this their last attempt at killing better services.
The fact remains, old operators will always cling on to their decreasing margins, lock-in contracts, hidden charges, big offices, expensive TV-commercials, and out-dated methods but they cannot stop the future of calling. When internet now meets telecom, operators are going to have to change or die. Internet stands for transparency, consumer value, openness and change. Values that clash against the business models of all telecom operators.
One day soon, all calling will be free. Together, we will achieve that.
Take care!
Patric Blixt
patric.blixt@rebtel.com
Edit: Oh yeah, almost forgot. If you want to help us spread the word and have a Digg account, click here and give this post a Digg.
If you want to discuss this topic further and blow off some steam, head over to this thread on our forum. Make your voice count!
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