Which mobile network is best in the Netherlands?

In the umlaut/connect test of early 2026, KPN scored 988, Odido 987 and Vodafone 972 out of 1,000, all rated outstanding. Local indoor coverage matters more than the national score.

Is 5G available everywhere in the Netherlands?

Almost. Odido says about 98 percent of the population lives in its 5G coverage area, and all three operators hold 100 MHz of 3.5 GHz spectrum since the 2024 auction. You need a 5G phone and a plan that includes 5G.

Do budget mobile brands have worse coverage?

No, they use the same network as their host (KPN, Odido or Vodafone). Some budget plans limit speed or 5G access, so check the plan details.

Will my old phone stop working in the Netherlands?

If it only supports 2G or 3G, it will stop working as operators switch those networks off: KPN's 2G on 1 December 2027, Odido's 3G at a date still to be announced. Make sure your phone supports 4G calling (VoLTE).

Mobile coverage and 5G in the Netherlands: KPN, Odido and Vodafone compared

The Netherlands has three mobile networks (KPN, Odido and Vodafone) and all three score among Europe's best: 988, 987 and 972 out of 1,000 in the umlaut/connect test of early 2026. 5G is available almost everywhere; each operator won 100 MHz of 3.5 GHz spectrum in 2024. Budget brands use one of these networks. What that means for choosing a plan, and the 2G/3G switch-off dates.

Short answer

As of 29 September 2026: coverage is excellent on all three Dutch mobile networks, so price and plan usually matter more than the network. In the umlaut and connect network test of January and February 2026, KPN scored 988, Odido 987 and Vodafone 972 out of 1,000 points, all rated "outstanding" (HCC). Odido says about 98 percent of the population lives in its 5G coverage area (Odido). In the 2024 auction of the 3.5 GHz band, the frequency range used for fast 5G, KPN, Odido and VodafoneZiggo each bought 100 MHz, with licences running until the end of 2040 (Rijksoverheid). Budget brands borrow one of these three networks, so check which one before you sign.

Which mobile networks does the Netherlands have?

Three: KPN, Odido (formerly T-Mobile and Tele2) and Vodafone (part of VodafoneZiggo). Every Dutch mobile brand runs on one of them. Simyo, for example, uses KPN's network (see getting a Dutch SIM card). A budget brand gets the same coverage as its host network, although speeds or features such as 5G can be limited by the plan.

Network	umlaut/connect 2026 score	5G spectrum at 3.5 GHz	Notes
KPN	988 / 1,000	100 MHz	Winner of the 2026 test; 2G switch-off on 1 December 2027
Odido	987 / 1,000	100 MHz	About 98% of the population in 5G coverage (Odido); 3G still on
Vodafone	972 / 1,000	100 MHz	VodafoneZiggo expects to switch off 2G in 2028 or 2029

Sources: HCC on the umlaut/connect test, Rijksoverheid on the 5G auction, Odido, KPN, Telecompaper, 20 May 2026. Which brand uses which network is listed in which providers use which network (in Dutch) (in Dutch).

Which Dutch provider has the best coverage?

In national tests the differences are small: the 2026 umlaut/connect test called the one-point gap between KPN and Odido a statistical dead heat (HCC). The same test put the Dutch scores above those of the leading networks in Germany (975), Austria (976) and the UK (920). Local differences matter more: a network that is weak inside your building or along your commute can be strong everywhere else.

Check the coverage maps of KPN, Odido and Vodafone for your home and work address, including indoor coverage.
Ask neighbours or colleagues which network works well inside your building.
Test before you commit: start with a prepaid SIM or a monthly SIM-only plan on the network you are considering.
Then pick the cheapest brand on the network that works for you. Compare plans on SIM-only comparison.

More in Dutch: which provider has the best coverage in 2026 (in Dutch) and mobile coverage percentages (in Dutch).

Do you need 5G in the Netherlands?

Not necessarily; 4G is fast and available almost everywhere. 5G helps with higher speeds on the 3.5 GHz band and with capacity in busy places such as stations and stadiums. To use it you need a 5G phone and a plan that includes 5G; some budget plans limit speed or network access. The difference between the generations is explained in the difference between 4G and 5G (in Dutch) and 5G standalone vs non-standalone (in Dutch).

Calling needs 4G calling (VoLTE)

With 3G being switched off, your phone must support calling over 4G (VoLTE) to make normal calls. Most phones sold in recent years do. Odido advises checking that 4G calling is switched on in your phone settings.

When are 2G and 3G switched off?

Each operator has its own schedule. Older phones that only support 2G or 3G, and some devices such as alarm systems and older car emergency systems, stop working when those networks go.

Operator	3G	2G
KPN	Switched off (2022)	Switches off on 1 December 2027
Vodafone	Switched off (2020)	Expected in 2028 or 2029
Odido	On until at least 1 August 2026; date not yet announced, customers get at least 6 months' notice	–

Sources: KPN, Odido, Telecompaper. KPN and Vodafone 3G dates as reported in our Dutch article 4G vs 5G (in Dutch). KPN notes that 112 stays reachable (KPN).

Travelling? Your Dutch plan works in the EU at no extra cost; see roaming with a Dutch plan. Need home internet without a fixed line? 5G home internet is covered in internet for a short stay.