World Cup time? Set up your mobile plan for streaming

Setting up your mobile plan during the World Cup month

Adjust your plan based on where and how you watch the World Cup:

• If you mostly watch at home over Wi-Fi, you barely need any extra data.
• Are you planning to watch livestreams on the go? Then your usage will go up quickly.
• Are you traveling to North America? Take roaming into account. You'll need a Buitenlandbundel or local SIM card.

Why do you use more data during the World Cup?

The World Cup means more streaming, checking updates, and watching highlights. That adds up on your data plan. During the World Cup, there are an average of two to three matches per day in the group stage. Many of them start late in the evening or early in the morning due to the time difference. So anyone who catches matches on the go, watches in the backyard, or streams outside the house via mobile internet will use more data than in other months.

How much data does watching a World Cup match on your phone cost?

Livestreaming a match on your phone in HD uses about 1.5 GB to 1.8 GB per hour. With pre- and post-game shows, you easily get to 2 to 3 GB per match. The higher the quality, the more data you use:

• HD livestream: 3 to 5 GB per match
• Standard quality (SD): 1.4 to 2.2 GB per match
• Very low quality: 150 to 250 MB per hour
• Short 10-minute highlight in HD: 250 to 300 MB
• Full match including analysis (2 hours): 3 to 3.5 GB in HD

So, if you watch ten matches in HD via mobile data, you will easily use up around 30 GB.

When should you temporarily increase your data bundle?

Temporarily increasing your mobile plan makes sense if you often watch matches without Wi-Fi. Do you currently have a small plan and don't want to miss a match? Then a larger data bundle prevents extra charges.

At Simyo, you can adjust your bundles for free via Mijn Simyo or the Mijn Simyo app . The change takes effect on the first of the next month, so you can still increase your bundle for July. Do you already have a large data bundle right now? Then you don't have to increase it.

Settings to save data

With a few settings on your phone and in apps, you can save a lot of data. Sometimes up to 70 percent compared to standard HD.

• Turning on data saver on your phone
  Both iPhone and Android have a built-in data saver mode. This limits background usage and automatic app updates.
• Turning off automatic updates
  Apps that update themselves via mobile data can use up a lot of data. Set automatic updates to Wi-Fi only. The same goes for cloud backups of photos and videos.
• Lowering streaming quality
  In the settings of the NOS app, YouTube, or another streaming app, choose 'data saver' or 'low quality'. On a small phone screen, you see less difference between HD and SD anyway.
• Downloading via Wi-Fi
  Download schedules, podcasts, and highlights in advance via Wi-Fi. This way, you can watch offline on the go. That saves you a lot of data.
• Turning off autoplay on social media
  On Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, videos play automatically. Set this to 'via Wi-Fi only' and you will notice an immediate difference in your data usage.

Traveling to the US, Canada, or Mexico? Watch out for roaming

Are you traveling to a match in one of the three host countries? Using mobile data without a local plan costs you a lot of money, as the EU's 'Roam Like at Home' doesn't apply to that region. Rates for mobile internet can increase up to several euros per MB. Just one accidentally opened app on the streets of New York can already result in a hefty bill.

Prevent high roaming costs

By turning off data roaming or activating a Buitenlandbundel in advance, you prevent high roaming costs in North America. A local eSIM is often the cheapest option.

Three options to consider:

• Turn off data roaming completely and only use Wi-Fi in your hotel or cafe
• Activate a Simyo Buitenlandbundel for the period you are away
• Buy a local eSIM upon arrival or arrange it online in advance

For a few days of vacation, an eSIM with a data package is often the most practical and affordable option.

Affordable Buitenlandbundels for the US and Canada

Traveling to the United States or Canada to attend World Cup matches? Get a Buitenlandbundel to save on high roaming costs.

Note: For Mexico, there are no Simyo buitenlandbundels available.

At Simyo, you activate a Buitenlandbundel via Mijn Simyo or the Mijn Simyo app . The bundle applies to a pre-chosen period and a fixed rate. Check the current options on our page about Buitenlandbundels .

Note: Buitenlandbundels are data bundles, not for calling and texting

Are you traveling to Mexico? A local eSIM or a Prepaid card is the right solution. In any case, turn off your data roaming as soon as you arrive in Mexico to prevent unexpected costs.

Adjust your plan, use Wi-Fi, or choose a separate data bundle?

The choice depends on your usage. If you watch a lot on the go, choose a larger plan. If you mostly use Wi-Fi at home, increasing your plan is not necessary.

At Simyo, you can also buy extra data in the meantime: 500 MB for € 5 via Mijn Simyo or by sending a text message with '500 MB aan' to 1330.

Who benefits from temporarily adjusting their data plan?

If you are going to stream more than you usually do, it is useful to temporarily increase your plan.

Think of:

• People who watch matches in public transport
• Fans who follow soccer together in cafes without Wi-Fi and want to watch two matches at the same time
• Students on summer vacation
• Supporters traveling to America, Canada, or Mexico
• People who are on the go a lot and don't watch everything at home on the couch

For those who always watch on Wi-Fi, it's not necessary to adjust their bundle.

Which plan fits your World Cup month?

Finally, a simple decision aid to quickly determine what fits you.

Choose a larger temporary plan if:

• You watch many matches via mobile internet
• You often don't have Wi-Fi in the evening or at night
• You don't want to think about your usage during the tournament

Choose Wi-Fi and data saver if:

• You have a small plan and want to keep it
• You mostly watch matches at home
• You lower your streaming quality to SD or lower

Choose a Buitenlandbundel or local eSIM if:

• You travel to the United States, Canada, or Mexico
• You want to prevent high roaming costs
• You still like to have mobile internet on the go

Ready for the World Cup month? With a temporary plan adjustment via Mijn Simyo and the right settings, you can enjoy every match without worrying about your bill.

Questions? We've got answers