Major Dutch internet providers refuse to treat customers equally
August 26, 2026 11.30 Europe/London By Robert Briel

The Netherlands’ four largest internet providers — DELTA, KPN, Odido and VodafoneZiggo — are refusing to end pricing inequalities between new and existing customers, according to the Dutch Consumers’ Association (Consumentenbond). The organisation says providers continue to lure new subscribers with steep discounts and gifts, while long‑time customers see their bills rise year after year due to inflation adjustments.

The Consumentenbond compared subscription prices and found that customers who have stayed with the same provider since 2020 now pay 25 to 30 percent more than when they first signed up. One example: a KPN customer who took out the cheapest internet package in early 2022 paid €42.50 per month. After annual price increases, that same customer now pays €51.86. Meanwhile, new customers could recently get the same package for €35 per month during the first year.

Sandra Molenaar, director of the Consumentenbond, says the situation is unacceptable. She argues that vulnerable groups — including people with financial difficulties and older customers — often feel too stressed or insecure to switch providers, leaving them stuck with higher bills. “We want all customers to pay the same price after the promotional period,” she said.

The Dutch competition authority ACM will require providers to inform customers annually about their contract status and the most advantageous available tariffs. Molenaar calls this a positive step but doubts it will be enough to encourage vulnerable customers to switch. “You’re placing the responsibility on consumers. Politics must intervene with a law that bans price inequality, because major providers refuse to change voluntarily.”

The providers responded differently to the Consumentenbond’s request. DELTA defended its annual price increases as “standard indexation.” KPN said the telecom market is highly competitive and will consider the suggestions. Odido wants to wait and see how ACM’s new information rules play out. VodafoneZiggo emphasised that customers are free to stay or switch.

According to the Consumentenbond, smaller providers such as TriNed and Freedom Internet show that equal pricing is possible. After the promotional period, all customers on the same network pay the same rate, regardless of how long they have been subscribed.