T-Mobile to Offer Dutch Users LTE at No Extra Cost

Mobile operator T-Mobile Netherlands reportedly plans to offer its subscribers access to its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network with no additional cost involved. Pre-paid and post-paid users of its T-Mobile, Ben, Simpel, MTV and *bliep brands will be able to take advantage of the offer when the carrier kicks off its LTE service in the 1800MHz band in the autumn. It is understood that customers with a suitable LTE-enabled device will be able to access the new network with either a new or existing data plan, with T-Mobile already starting to brand its handsets as ‘4G ready’ ahead of the planned commercial launch.

T-Mobile has declined to comment on what access speeds users will be able to expect on the 4G network, saying only that new tariff plans with access to its maximum data speeds will be unveiled in the summer. It would appear therefore that the carrier is looking to mirror KPN Mobile The Netherlands’ business model for marketing 4G. The rival – the only Dutch cellco with a live LTE offer – currently provides users with a range of plans at different speeds and data allowances.

Deutsche Telekom-backed T-Mobile will begin the rollout of its LTE network in and around Amsterdam, before expanding coverage to major cities and the rest of the Randstad in the west of the country. The next phase of rollout will extend its footprint east to the rest of the Netherlands, which should be completed in H2 2014 – part of the carrier’s so-called ‘Samen Meer Bereiken’ (Achieving more together) infrastructure upgrade programme, that also aims to boost 3G network capacity and coverage.