Dutch Internet Among the Most Expensive in Europe, While Speed Is Not up to Par
Dutch Internet Among the Most Expensive in Europe, While Speed Is Not up to Par
Despite its rising prices, the Netherlands struggles with internet quality and speed compared to other European countries.
Dutch consumers are paying significantly more for their internet subscriptions compared to their European neighbours, according to recent reports by Pricewise and VPS Server. Despite the high costs, the quality and speed of internet connections in the Netherlands often lag behind those in cheaper countries.
A typical Dutch internet subscription offering a 100-megabit connection costs around 43 euros per month. This makes it one of the more expensive internet options in Europe. For comparison, similar internet subscriptions cost 39 euros in Germany, 41 euros in Belgium, and only 29 euros in Italy. The most affordable internet can be found in Poland and Romania, where monthly costs are as low as 11 euros.
Countries like Denmark, Ireland, Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway, however, have even higher internet costs than the Netherlands, with Norway leading the list at over 72 euros per month.
The Netherlands Falls Behind in Internet Quality
Despite paying more, Dutch consumers do not always receive superior service. The Netherlands ranks sixth in Europe for internet quality, according to a study by VPS Server. Countries like Spain and Romania, which offer much cheaper internet, actually offer better quality connections, ranking second and third respectively. Iceland tops the list with the best internet quality in Europe.
Hans de Kok, director of Pricewise, explained that while the quality and stability of the internet in the Netherlands are generally good, the costs associated with laying fiber optic cables are high. These costs are passed on to consumers, contributing to the higher prices. He also noted that opting for a one-gigabit subscription might offer a better price-quality ratio for Dutch users.
Average Internet Speed
When it comes to internet speed, the Netherlands ranks seventh globally, with an average speed of 188 Mbit per second. Iceland again leads the way with the fastest average internet speed at nearly 280 Mbit per second. Belgium lags behind in 27th place, with an average speed of 125 Mbit per second.
However, it’s important to note that these speeds are based on user-conducted speed tests, which can vary depending on the circumstances in which they are performed. Often, these tests are done by users experiencing internet issues, potentially skewing the results.
The Future of Dutch Internet
As fiber optic technology continues to develop, the internet speed in the Netherlands is expected to improve. However, the high costs associated with this infrastructure mean that consumers may see further price increases in the future. For now, Dutch internet remains a costly and average-performing service compared to other European countries, raising concerns about its value for money.