So basically this article finds no good open source / self hosted alternatives, but instead lists a bunch of paid services. And even those don't live up to the "Google Silo".
Population density is a problem in Germany. In contrast to, for example France (?), the state does not nearly enough to bring internet to the countryside.
Broadband access is defined as 380kbit/s and customer service is terrible.
By the way: T-Mobile is part of "Telekom".
But if you choose the right street in the right city, getting 100mbit for 50euros (flatrate) is not a problem.
Since the subject of the book is still alive, I guess it's an unauthorized biography?