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Netherlands Fixedline Telephone Service

Contents

Introduction

The fixedline telephone network in the Netherlands is well developed with high penetration rates. Landline phone connections are provided primarily by KPN, the formerly state-owned telecom company that was privatized in the late 1990s. As of 2020, there were over 5 million fixed telephone lines in the Netherlands, down from a peak of over 7 million lines in the early 2000s. The decline in fixed lines is due to the rise in mobile phone adoption and VoIP services like Skype. However, fixed line penetration is still high at around 85% of households. KPN operates the vast majority of fixed lines on a wholesale basis, with numerous retailers like Vodafone, Tele2 and T-Mobile also providing fixed line services over KPN’s network. KPN is also the leading broadband provider, with its ADSL, VDSL and fibre-optic networks covering virtually the whole country. Fixed line calls within the Netherlands are inexpensive, with most plans including unlimited calling nationwide. Calling fixed lines in other European countries is also cheap due to EU regulations. Calls to mobiles and international calls are more expensive. Netherlands Fixedline Telephone Service KPN and other providers offer bundle deals for fixed line, broadband, TV and mobile services. Packages frequently include unlimited national calls, a broadband connection, digital TV, and discounted mobile rates. The Dutch telecom market was deregulated in the late 1990s, allowing new entrants and increased competition. Prices decreased as a result, benefiting consumers. KPN’s market share has declined but it still holds around 80% of fixed voice lines. The Dutch telecom authority OPTA regulates the telephone and broadband markets, helping ensure fair competition and pricing. The Netherlands consistently ranks highly for broadband speed and affordability in European surveys. The widespread fiber optic and VDSL networks provide fast broadband speeds to much of the country. Minimum internet speeds of 100Mbps are common on new connections. The Dutch government aims to achieve nationwide gigabit connectivity by 2025. In summary, the fixedline telephone network in the Netherlands is modern, extensive, and competitively priced. KPN operates the majority of fixed lines, but consumers have choices. Fast broadband is widely available from KPN and other ISPs. The market is well regulated which contributes to the high quality and low prices.

What is a fixedline telephone service?

A fixedline telephone service refers to a landline phone connection that provides voicecalling fover a physical telephone line. The telephone line runs from the customer’s premises to the telephone exchange of a provider like KPN in the Netherlands. In contrast to mobile phone services, a fixedline uses a wired connection rather than cellular or wireless technology for transmitting calls. Fixedline services also provide a static telephone number tied to the location, while mobile numbers are tied to the device. Fixed telephone lines use circuit switching technology that keeps an open line connected between callers. This allows for higher call quality than packet switched networks like VoIP. However, packet switching is more efficient and scalable. Traditional fixedline services only provide voice calling between two parties. No advanced features or data services are included. Today, providers offer extra services like call waiting, voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding and bundled packages with broadband internet and TV. Fixedline penetration has declined in many countries due to the rise of mobile phones. But fixedlines remain popular for homes and businesses needing voice calling and internet access. Providers typically offer discounted bundles to incentivize fixedline service. In summary, a fixedline telephone is a basic voice calling service over traditional telephone lines with optional enhanced features. It provides reliable call quality and static phone numbers to a fixed location but lacks the mobility of wireless phones.

Why might an expat need a fixedline telephone service in the Netherlands?

Reliability – Fixedline phones work even during power outages thanks to backup power systems. This ensures access to emergency services. Mobile networks can become overloaded or disrupted more easily. Having a landline provides a reliable means of communication. Call quality – Fixedlines provide higher call quality as they use circuit-switched networks rather than packet switching. This results in minimal latency and less likelihood of dropped calls, which is important for lengthy or important conversations. Internet access – Most fixedline plans come bundled with broadband internet access. Expatriates need internet for communication, entertainment, banking, work, and more. Broadband speeds are excellent in the Netherlands so a fixedline is appealing. Ease of use – Landlines are familiar and easy to use, even for less tech-savvy expatriates. The handsets are simple and the phone numbers, voicemail, caller ID etc. work similarly to other countries. Using mobile phones abroad can be more challenging. Cost savings – Providers offer discounts when bundling fixedline, TV, and internet. Unlimited domestic calling may be included. International landline rates are cheaper than international mobile rates. Overall costs can be lowered with a fixedline bundle. Static number – The same number is tied to a physical location. This is useful when contacting schools, doctors, banks and more. These contacts remain reachable using the fixed number even if the expat’s mobile number changes. In summary, fixedline telephone services provide reliability, call clarity, discounted bundles, simplicity, and a static point of contact, all extremely beneficial when living abroad as an expatriate.

What are the different types of fixedline telephone services available in the Netherlands?

Traditional Landline – This is a basic telephone line that provides voice calling within the Netherlands and internationally. No extra features are included but it offers reliable call quality. Landline with Features – Providers offer enhanced landline packages with features like caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, call forwarding, three-way calling, etc. For an extra monthly fee, these improve the functionality. Fiber Optic Landline – Fiber optic landlines use newer fiber cables rather than traditional copper wires. This allows for extremely high speeds, better call clarity, and more reliability. Fiber is available in much of the Netherlands. VoIP Landline – Voice over IP (VoIP) uses the internet rather than traditional telephone infrastructure. Call quality can vary but it’s much cheaper. Popular with expats who call internationally. Landline with Broadband – Most providers bundle landlines with broadband internet access. Having a reliable high-speed internet connection is essential for expats. Bundled plans offer discounted pricing. Landline with TV – Triple-play bundles add digital TV along with the landline and internet. Numerous international and Dutch channels cater to expats. Bundling all three services reduces the overall monthly costs. In summary, Dutch providers offer traditional basic landlines as well as enhanced telephone services with bonus features, fiber optic capabilities, VoIP technology, and discounted bundles with broadband and TV. This selection ensures expats can find the right fixedline package to suit their needs and budget.

Key factors to consider when choosing a fixedline telephone service

Price – Compare monthly fees and upfront costs between providers. Consider call rates too – unlimited domestic calling is common but international and mobile rates can vary. Bundled packages often provide discounts over standalone landline pricing. Contract Length – Shorter 6 or 12 month contracts allow flexibility but may not offer the biggest savings. Longer 24 month contracts have bigger upfront discounts but less flexibility. Weigh options based on how long you plan to stay. Included Features – Basic landlines just offer calling but enhanced packages add voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding, conference calling and more. Evaluate which features will be most beneficial. Broadband Speeds – Look at minimum and maximum internet speeds offered. The Netherlands has fast, reliable broadband availability so demand high speeds. TV Channels/Content – If bundling with TV, review channel packages to ensure they provide content in languages and genres you enjoy. Pick local and international mix. Customer Service – Check ratings and reviews regarding the provider’s customer support and service quality. Good customer service is invaluable when issues arise. Contract Terms – Read the fine print carefully to avoid surprises. Check if hardware like routers are included or rented. Understand fees for early cancellation or exceeding usage limits. In summary, do your homework before choosing a provider. Compare prices, speeds, features, content, contract terms, and customer service reputation. Pick the fixedline package that best matches your budget, needs and plan duration as an expat in the Netherlands.

How to get a fixedline telephone service in the Netherlands Fixedline Telephone Service

Research providers – The main options for fixedline service are KPN, Vodafone, Tele2, T-Mobile, and smaller providers like Online.nl or Caiway. Research packages, prices, contract terms, and bundles. KPN has the largest network but others offer competitive rates. Decide on needed features – Consider your usage needs – local calls, international calls, internet data, TV channels. Choose provider features and bundles that best suit your lifestyle. Those making frequent international calls may prefer VoIP services. Compare bundles – Bundled plans for fixedline, TV, and internet often provide discounts over standalone services. Factor in upfront costs for activation and hardware. Contract length also affects pricing – longer terms get bigger discounts. Sign up online or in-store – Providers allow you to sign up for service on their website or at a retail store. Online may offer existing customer promotional pricing. In-store provides personal assistance. Have your Dutch address and immigration documents ready. Schedule installation – Standard fixedline installation takes 1-2 weeks. Fiber or specialized connections take longer. Confirm if you need to be home for installation and scheduling a timeframe. Instant activation may also be available. Modem/router – You’ll need a modem and/or router to use internet and TV services over the fixedline. Providers often rent these but you can purchase your own compatible models to avoid recurring rental fees. Voicemail setup – Activate your voicemail account when you get confirmation the line is active. Set a PIN code and personal greeting. Consider an English and Dutch greeting to avoid confusion. Account management – Provider websites allow you to manage billing, check usage, pay bills, make changes to services, set parental controls, and access help articles. Download their mobile app too. Troubleshooting – If you experience issues with the fixedline, internet or TV, reboot hardware and check provider help pages. Contact technical support if needed – consider asking an English-speaking friend to call for you. Cancelling service – When ready to cancel, provide 30 days notice and return any rented equipment to avoid additional charges. Canceling within contract period incurs an early termination fee. By researching providers, choosing the right plan, handling setup logistics, configuring equipment and learning account management, expats can smoothly activate the ideal fixedline package to stay connected living in the Netherlands.

Contact a provider

First visit the website of your chosen provider, such as KPN or Vodafone, and find the page for new connections. Here you can enter your address to check availability. When ready, begin an online application – you will need to provide personal details, Dutch address, and Visa/BSN if you have one. For assistance, look for a live chat function on the website, or call the sales number listed. Explain you recently moved to the Netherlands and want to order a fixedline plan bundled with internet and TV. Be ready to answer questions about the desired contract length, features needed, and installation timeline that works for you.

Provide your personal information

The service provider will need some key details from you to set up a new account. Have your passport ready to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and nationality. Also provide your current Dutch address where you need the fixedline installed, as well as your phone number and email address for contact purposes. If you have already received your BSN tax number, they will request this for identification when signing legal contracts. Let them know how long you have lived in the Netherlands and your previous address abroad. Providing accurate personal information ensures they can properly verify your identity and determine the appropriate services and rates based on your residency status.

Sign a contract

After selecting the fixedline package and bundle that suits your needs, the provider will email or mail you the contract documentation. Read through the terms and conditions carefully to ensure you understand the contract length, pricing, included features, usage allowances, fees, and cancellation policies. Once satisfied, sign your name, date, and Dutch address on the designated lines. Initial any pages as directed. You will need to sign multiple copies to be retained by you and the provider. Return the signed contracts through the agreed method – electronically, by post, or in-person. This completes the signup process and obligates both parties to the contractual fixedline service agreement. Keep your copy for reference.

Pay a deposit (if required)

Some fixedline providers in the Netherlands may require a security deposit from new customers before installation, especially foreign residents without an extensive local credit history. This deposit acts as a guarantee against non-payment or damage. It is usually between €50 to €200 depending on the services. The provider will explain when and how to submit the deposit such as via bank transfer, authorized credit card payment, or in cash at a retail location. Make sure to get a receipt. As long as you pay your bills on time and don’t incur fees, the deposit will be refunded after 6-12 months of service. It pays to ask if the deposit can be waived given your strong credit standing.

Receive your new phone line

Once installation is complete, the service provider will notify you that your new fixedline phone number is active. Test it out by making a call from the registered landline to your mobile number. You should hear a dial tone followed by ringing. If the call goes through properly, your line is functioning correctly. Plug in your own phone handset to the wall jack to start making and receiving calls over the fixedline using your new number. Add this number to any required contacts and update records to start directing calls to your new Dutch fixedline. Keep your activation notice handy which contains your assigned number and account details for future reference and billing.

What are the different types of mobile phone plans available in the Netherlands?

Prepaid – Prepaid SIM cards provide flexible, no-contract service. Simply purchase a SIM, top it up with credit when needed, and pay for what you use based on prepaid rates. Great for short trips or light usage. SIM-only Contract – Get a recurring monthly plan using your own unlocked device. Choose a set amount of minutes, texts, and data that suits your needs. Contract terms are generally 1 or 12 months. Phone Contract – Sign up for a 6, 12 or 24 month contract and receive a discounted new phone bundled with the plan. Handset balance is due if cancelling before completion. Family/Group – Shared plans allow multiple devices or family members to pull from the same data pool at reduced rates per line. Ideal for families and housemates. Unlimited – All-inclusive deals offer unlimited minutes, texts, and very high data allowances. Best for heavy users looking to avoid overage fees. Speeds may throttle after surpassing allowance. Business – Specific plans aimed at companies with features like shared data, device management, international options. Minimum number of lines required. In summary, Dutch providers offer a range of service types from prepaid to family plans to appeal to diverse customer needs for commitment level, data amounts, contract length, and devices.

How do I choose the right mobile phone plan for me?

Consider your data usage – Do you primarily use WiFi or rely on mobile data? Estimate your monthly usage to pick a plan with adequate data. Using lots of data may make an unlimited plan worthwhile. Assess your calling patterns – Make note of how many voice minutes you use monthly as well as where/who you call. This will determine suitable allowances. Frequent international calls means focusing on plans with competitive overseas rates. Decide on contract length – Prepaid and 1 month plans offer short commitments for temporary residents. 12 month contracts have modest commitments but less savings. Long 24 month contracts give the biggest upfront phone discounts. Compare early termination fees – Check fees if cancelling within the contract term. This may sway you towards shorter contract lengths. Research bundled device offers – Signing a 12 or 24 month contract can reduce the upfront cost of a new smartphone substantially through installments. Consider roaming needs – Some providers offer free or discounted roaming in certain regions or countries. Useful if traveling frequently. Read reviews of provider’s network and customer service – Pick one known for strong coverage and support. Consult expat forums – Look for first-hand recommendations from other expats living in the Netherlands. By analyzing your usage patterns and lifestyle, you can determine the ideal mobile plan features and contract length to match your needs and budget as an expat.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a mobile phone plan?

  • Data Amount – Estimate your monthly data usage for browsing, streaming, etc. Pick a plan with adequate high-speed data to avoid overages. Unlimited data is preferable for very high use.
  • Calling Minutes – Calculate expected monthly minutes based on making local and international calls. Choose appropriate allowances.
  • Text Allowance – Most plans have unlimited texts, but verify an ample amount is included for your needs.
  • Contract Length – Short 1 month plans offer flexibility. Longer 12/24 month contracts give bigger discounts but early termination fees.
  • Early Termination Fees – Check costs of cancelling within the contract period as this varies by provider.
  • Bundled Device Offers – Signing up for 12/24 months reduces upfront smartphone costs through installments.
  • International Calling Rates – Compare rates to frequently called countries. Some plans discount certain countries.
  • Roaming – Determine if free or discounted roaming is offered in countries you’ll visit. Some limit roaming data.
  • Customer Service Reputation – Pick a provider known for strong English support and coverage.
  • Expat Recommendations – Consult reviews and forums for provider suggestions from other expats.
Thoroughly researching these key factors will help narrow down the ideal mobile plan based on your usage needs, travel habits, timeline, and budget.

Conclusion

For expats moving to the Netherlands, acquiring a fixedline telephone service provides a reliable means of communication and a foothold in your new home. While mobile phones offer convenience and portability, fixedline services deliver static phone numbers, discounted bundles, and high call quality that simplify life abroad. Conducting research on providers, plans, and contract terms allows you to make an informed decision when choosing a package tailored to your needs and timeline. Handling logistics like installation scheduling, equipment setup, and account management will ensure you maximize the value after signing up. When issues arise, don’t hesitate to contact customer support and lean on bilingual friends if needed. With some diligence given to understanding offerings, costs, and contract details upfront, expats can have peace of mind knowing they are supported by the right fixedline solution. A quality fixedline telephone and broadband connection keeps you connected and comfortable settling into daily life in the Netherlands.

Rehmath Ali, a native of Mumbai, is a highly accomplished professional in business and marketing. After completing his MBA at Oriental College, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a successful independent businessperson. With a profound passion for his work, Rehmath views it as a source of relaxation. Over the past 11 years, he has excelled as a Business Development Manager, making a significant impact in the telecommunications industry. Despite coming from a family with a background in the Gold business, Rehmath chose to pursue a different path, focusing on telecommunications. His expertise lies in handling voice and services for My Country Mobile. Under his guidance, the business has experienced remarkable growth, with a consistent annual increase of 30%. Notably, the Voice Vertical has generated millions of dollars in revenue. Currently, Rehmath serves as the Head of the Callmama Division at My Country Mobile, aiming to surpass one million customers by 2024.

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