PartnerPete: Helping you find the best internet provider

Choosing an internet provider can be quite a challenge. Especially if you are an expat moving to, or living in, a foreign country. When it comes to selecting a broadband package, there is a whole range of things to consider. Alongside costs and speed, you’re going to have to think about contract length and local availability. Once you’ve got that sorted out, there are numerous providers, deals and plans to compare.

Luckily PartnerPete, a connection service for expats, is here to help! Here are 6 tips that will make choosing the right internet provider in the Netherlands a little bit easier.

1. What internet speed do I need?

With an array of superfast fibre and standard broadband packages to choose from, there’s a lot to get to grips with when you’re looking for a product that will meet your needs. To make the right choice, you need to understand what internet speed or bandwidth means.

Bandwidth, commonly measured in megabits per second, is the maximum rate at which you can download data from the internet to your computer, tablet or mobile. There is a wide variety in the data intensity of certain internet activities. PartnerPete created a chart to give you a rough idea of the bandwidth required of common activities.

Above are recommendations for a single activity at a time and represent the lowest recommended speed. If you perform multiple activities simultaneously, you’ll need to add up the recommended speeds for the activities you plan to do. You should also add about 5 Mbps extra to your total to compensate for occasional slowdowns.

Also, don’t forget all the other devices in your home that utilise the internet such as smart appliances (like Nest, Google Home, and Philips Hue), and streaming boxes (Apple TV, and Chromecast).

2. Do I need (digital) TV as well?

You probably think you don’t need TV, since most TV channels are in Dutch. But did you know you can also receive your favourite TV channels from back home? The standard TV packages in the Netherlands include quite some English language channels such as BBC, CNN, Discovery Channel and National Geographic. But you can opt to add more foreign channels to your bundle, such as Turkish or Hindi channels, and international sports channels.

The HDTV receiver you will get from KPN, Ziggo or Telfort also has the Netflix app pre-installed. You only have to log in to your Netflix account, and you can start binge-watching right away. Ziggo also offers a Movies & Series package which includes exclusive HBO content.

All Dutch internet providers give you the possibility of watching TV on your smartphone or tablet at home or on the go free of charge. Not all channels are available outdoors though.

3. What about internet security?

Internet security should be a top priority for everyone. Ransomware, viruses, and scam and spyware are only a few of the risks of surfing the World Wide Web. It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about choosing an internet provider, but don’t forget to check which safety measures are taken by the internet service provider.

The good news is that security suites are included in most broadband packages in the Netherlands. This internet security software protects you and your personal information when browsing the web.

4. How can I get mobile internet?

Besides internet at home, internet on the go is an essential commodity these days. Don’t forget to look into mobile internet when trying to find the right internet provider. Almost all providers in the Netherlands offer mobile (sim-only) subscriptions. They even give you free extras when you get a bundle deal (we will tell you all about it in step 6).

Because of European Union laws, all Dutch mobile contracts can be used in any EU country without paying any additional roaming charges. This is called roam like home. You can call, text or browse the internet in every EU country at no additional cost.

5. What’s your budget?

Price is important; you can’t pick what you can’t afford. That said, choosing an internet provider purely on price is not a smart thing to do. It’s much more important that your internet connection supports the online activities of everyone in your house and is stable.

Discount any provider or offer that doesn’t meet those needs since there is nothing more frustrating than insufficient speed whilst surfing. Make sure you look at features first, and then compare to find the provider that suits your budget.

6. Get bundle deals!

If you want to use a landline, combining your telephone and internet packages saves you money (and time). All providers in the Netherlands offer package deals for internet, television, telephone, and even mobile. Another benefit of these triple play or quad play bundles is that you will receive one clear invoice and that you only have one contact person for questions or issues.

As stated in step 4, Dutch internet providers like KPN and Ziggo give you free extras when you combine internet with mobile. These freebies include additional TV channels, double data on mobile, and an extra 5 euros discount on your monthly invoice. All you have to do is register the products at the same address.

Need help making the right choice?

PartnerPete arranges all connections in your (new) home, free of charge. They have partnered up with the best Internet Providers in the Netherlands to make sure you always get the best deal tailored to your specific needs as an expat. That’s why they offer:

• Flexible contracts, no penalties
• English customer service
• Fast service: Utilities arranged within 3 days
• No hidden costs

Do you want more information about choosing the right internet provider or about connecting home utilities? Contact PartnerPete!