Internet and telecommunications options in Netherlands: Major providers: KPN, Ziggo, T-Mobile, Vodafone. High-speed internet widely available. Fiber-optic growing rapidly. Competitive mobile market. International calling plans. Prepaid and postpaid mobile plans. Contract cancellation policies. Network coverage maps. Availability checks by postcode. EU roaming charges explained.
Major providers: KPN, Ziggo, T-Mobile, Vodafone.
In the Netherlands, the major internet and telecommunications providers are KPN and VodafoneZiggo, each holding a market share of around 35-40% as of Q2 2024. T-Mobile Netherlands, now known as Odido, follows with a market share between 10-15%. These providers offer a range of services including internet, TV, and mobile networks, with KPN and VodafoneZiggo being the dominant players in both fixed-line and mobile markets.
High-speed internet widely available.
High-speed internet is widely available in the Netherlands, with average speeds of almost 200 Mbps, placing the country among the top 20 globally. Most households have access to fibre, DSL, or cable connections, with over 7 million households having fibre internet access as of 2024. For those interested in understanding the intricate details of broadband options, the Broadband In The Netherlands Guide provides comprehensive insights into various connection types and availability across the nation.
Fiber-optic growing rapidly.
Fiber-optic internet in the Netherlands is growing rapidly, with most residential areas being equipped with the 'glasvezel' infrastructure. This cutting-edge technology offers download and upload speeds up to 1 Gbps or even higher, providing enhanced connectivity across the country. This development is particularly evident in bustling regions such as the Randstad, where internet users can experience significantly faster and more reliable online services. For more detailed information, you can visit the website for Internet Providers in Netherlands. As this trend continues, the Netherlands positions itself at the forefront of digital connectivity, setting a high standard for internet infrastructure worldwide.
Competitive mobile market.
The Dutch mobile market is highly competitive, with Odido (formerly T-Mobile Netherlands) leading by consumed minutes, holding a market share of 40-45%. It is followed by KPN with 25-30% and VodafoneZiggo with 20-25%. Notably, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) also play a significant role, holding a 10-15% market share.
International calling plans.
For international calls from the Netherlands, providers such as LEBARA, Lyca, and Odido offer various plans that include unlimited calling minutes to multiple countries outside the EU. Prices for these plans range from EUR5 to EUR49.50 per month, depending on the provider and the specific plan chosen. For more information, you can visit the detailed guide on International Calls offered by DutchReview, where they break down the options to suit different needs and budgets.
Prepaid and postpaid mobile plans.
In the Netherlands, you can choose between prepaid and postpaid mobile plans. Prepaid SIM cards are ideal for tourists and short-term visitors, offering flexibility and no long-term commitments, while postpaid plans are more suitable for expats or long-term residents, requiring a local bank account and proof of residence, and often offering better rates and higher data allowances. For more detailed insights and guidance on selecting the best mobile phone plan, visit the Dutch Review website, a reliable resource for navigating such essential services in the Netherlands.
Contract cancellation policies.
In the Netherlands, consumers have the ability to cancel their internet subscriptions, though penalties may apply if the contract term is not fulfilled. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer the option to cancel without incurring a fee under certain conditions, such as relocating abroad. However, T-Mobile stands out by charging 50% of the remaining subscription fee. This policy highlights the importance of understanding the specific terms and conditions associated with your ISP before making any changes to your subscription.
Network coverage maps.
The detailed network coverage maps for 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile networks in the Netherlands, available on the nPerf website, are sourced from user-conducted tests using the nPerf app. These maps are meticulously updated each hour for coverage and every 15 minutes for speed, ensuring that users receive the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding network performance in real-time.
Availability checks by postcode.
Discover how convenient it is to find the right internet service provider in your area by simply entering your postal code and house number. These innovative platforms, such as ProviderCheck, allow users to seamlessly compare packages based on pricing, download speed, and various other features. By performing a postcode check, you can see available internet subscriptions and evaluate them on speed, price, and quality, ultimately selecting the best option tailored to your location and requirements. This streamlined process ensures that you have access to efficient internet services that perfectly suit your needs, making connectivity readily available at your fingertips.
EU roaming charges explained.
When traveling within the EU, you do not pay additional charges for using your mobile phone, as calls, texts, and data are charged at domestic rates. However, mobile operators may apply a "fair use policy" to prevent abuse, with specific limits on data usage and potential surcharges if these limits are exceeded. For detailed information about roaming charges and policies, you can visit the Your Europe website to ensure you're fully informed before traveling.