Why switching internet providers saves money in the Netherlands

If your internet bill has crept up quietly over the past year, you’re not imagining it. The price of an internet contract keeps increasing every year. A report by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) shows that the vast majority of households in the Netherlands are paying more than they need to. The quick fix is amazingly simple: switching every year.

Dutch households pay a loyalty penalty

The ACM is describing what they call a “loyalty penalty”: 79% of customers with a fixed or mobile subscription pay too much because they never switch providers. If they were to sign a new contract, they could save up to €250. So-called dormant contracts are often more expensive than those offered to new customers.

The Dutch consumer watchdog has flagged this pattern repeatedly. Internet providers in the Netherlands offer attractive introductory deals for new customers and then gradually increase prices for those who stay. The ACM is set to end this with new transparency guidelines. Providers will be required to clearly notify customers when contracts expire and prices change However, these guidelines are not expected to take effect until summer. Until that moment, thousands of households keep overpaying.

Working towards a market that rewards the switcher

“Many customers simply don’t realise their promotional period has ended,” says a spokesperson for ProviderCheck, a Dutch comparison platform for internet and mobile subscriptions. “They assume their provider will tell them, but that is often not the case. Switching once a year, or at least checking what else is available, is the single most effective thing you can do to keep your bill in check.”

Dutch prices for internet contracts are already among the highest in Europe. The market is small but consists of large players. KPN, Ziggo and Odido are the dominant ones, alongside dozens of smaller providers, often owned by the big three. Competition between them is fierce, which should be good news for consumers willing to shop around. New-customer deals regularly include cashback on internet, months at discounted rates, free installation or even extras like gift vouchers.

Switching is not the hassle it may seem

Many expats hesitate to switch because they expect technical hassles, as engineer visits, long waiting times and complicated admin are common in their home countries. In the Netherlands, it tends to be much smoother. Providers are often willing to match a competitor’s offer if you call them and mention you’re thinking of leaving.

Switching is quite easy: simply compare the offers on a comparison website, find the best deal, sign up for a new contract and fill in when the old contract ends. The new provider will activate your new contract when the old one ends to make the switch seamless. Sometimes an engineer may need to visit, but often you will only need to connect a new modem.

What to check before you switch

Not every provider is available at every address. Fibre-optic connections offer the fastest speeds and now cover around 75-85% of Dutch households. However, availability depends entirely on your postcode. Cable internet through Ziggo has wider immediate coverage but KPN’s fibre network is rapidly expanding.

The first step is to perform a postcode check. Enter your address on a comparison website to see exactly which providers and speeds are available to you. Then compare current deals side by side. It takes about two minutes and can save you a significant amount of money over the course of a year.

Take a look at introductory pricing, the contract length and if bundle deals are possible. Bundle deals combine internet, TV and mobile and can save money. Of course, this only makes sense if you actually use all three services.

The cost of internet in the Netherlands

Internet-only subscriptions cost around €42–43 per month in the Netherlands, compared to €27 in France and €3 in the UK, making the Netherlands one of the most expensive countries for internet in Europe. Given that context, it is a good idea to switch annually . Always look for the best deal available at that time.

The ACM’s upcoming guidelines should make it easier for consumers to stay informed about their contracts. But in the meantime, the simplest advice is to set a reminder once a year, do a quick comparison and don’t assume your provider is looking out for your wallet. They are not, but you can be!