KPN rolls out 4G in the Netherlands

KPN will start offering 4G services to consumers and business customers. As of February 2013, this new network will enable us to offer mobile internet that is up to 10 times faster than what you are currently used to. We will start to roll out 4G in the northern part of the ‘Randstad’, followed by the southern part of the Randstad. By mid-2013, 4G services will be available for approximately 50% of the Dutch population. In the second half of 2013, 4G will be rolled out further. Our 4G network will be available throughout the Netherlands in the summer of 2014.

What is 4G?

4G is the abbreviation for the fourth generation of mobile networks. This new network successes the existing 2G (GSM) and 3G (UMTS/HSDPA) networks. With 4G, superfast internet is possible at speeds of up to 10 times faster than what you are currently used to. You can download with speeds up to 50 Mb/s (average: 20 Mb/s) and upload with speeds up to 25 Mb/s (average: 10 Mb/s). The 4G network complements the existing 2G and 3G networks, these will remain operational alongside the 4G network.

4G in practice

KPN has been offering 4G to business customers in parts of The Hague and Utrecht since the summer of 2012. These customers are very positive about 4G. The new network is stable and delivers the promised high speed. We use our experiences in The Hague and Utrecht to roll out our 4G network in the rest of The Netherlands smoothly.

Coverage

KPN is going to enable its customers to experience the benefits of 4G very soon. Starting in the northern part of the ‘Randstad’ in February 2013, the 4G-experience will be available to approximately 50% of the Dutch population by as early as mid-2013. Our 4G network will be available throughout the Netherlands in the summer of 2014.

This is an indication of the roll out. No rights can be derived from this information

What speed does 4G offer?

4G offers download speeds of up to 50 Mb/s (megabits per second). The average speed of 4G will be around 20 Mb/s. The upload speed of 4G averages 10 Mb/s. The speed actually achieved depends on a number of factors such as which device is used, how busy the internet is and the number of users in the vicinity of the transmission mast.

Will I need a new subscription for 4G?

4G coverage will be available in new subscriptions for smartphone, tablet and laptop, for both consumers and business customers. KPN will announce in mid-January 2013 which subscriptions will be able to offer 4G coverage, as well as the rates. We are more than willing to keep you informed of the roll-out. You can register here to receive updates from us (in Dutch).

Will I need a new mobile phone to make use of 4G?

To make use of 4G you will need a new smartphone, tablet, dongel or mobile Wi-Fi router that is suitable for 4G. KPN will announce by mid-January 2013 which subscriptions will offer 4G (including the subscription prices) and which devices are suitable for 4G by KPN.

When will 4G become available where I live?

KPN’s 4G will be available in Amsterdam and the northern part of the ‘Randstad’ as of February 2013. By mid-2013, 4G will be available to approximately half of the Dutch population. In the second half of 2013, 4G will be rolled out further. 4G will be available throughout the whole of the Netherlands in the summer of 2014. We are more than willing to keep you informed of the roll-out. You can register here to receive updates from us (in Dutch).

Does 4G work alongside 2G and 3G?

4G complements the 2G and 3G networks. These two trusted networks will remain operational, and KPN will continue to invest in further improvements of these networks. All current and new devices will work normally on 2G and 3G. Customers with a 4G subscription can also use 3G, for instance when they are in an area where there is no 4G coverage yet.

Can I also get KPN’s 4G on my iPhone 5?

The iPhone 5 has not yet been optimized for all the frequencies on which mobile internet is offered in the Netherlands. Apple is expected to make its supply suitable for these frequencies sometime soon. The current device cannot be used yet on the frequencies for which KPN has obtained a license and which will offer 4G.