Vodafone, one of the world’s leading telecommunications companies, has reported a decline in its performance in Germany during the third quarter of the fiscal year. The company cited increased competition, regulatory challenges, and declining customer retention as key factors contributing to the downturn.

Revenue in Germany, Vodafone’s largest market, fell by 3.5% compared to the same period last year. The company also reported a loss of 120,000 mobile customers, marking one of its worst quarterly performances in the region.

“While we are disappointed with these results, we are taking proactive steps to address the challenges in the German market,” said a Vodafone spokesperson. The company plans to invest in network upgrades and customer service improvements to regain market share.

Analysts warn that Vodafone’s struggles in Germany could have broader implications for its global operations. “Germany is a critical market for Vodafone, and its performance there is a bellwether for the company’s overall health,” said an industry expert.