At Simyo you're on the reliable KPN network

Mobile internet at Simyo

At Simyo you can use mobile internet if the option 'Internet in Nederland' (Internet in the Netherlands) is switched on in the Mijn Simyo App . Your phone connects through the reliable KPN network. You can always check the coverage in your area with the KPN coverage map .

Which data networks does Simyo use?

Via KPN’s reliable network, Simyo offers three mobile technologies: 2G (GPRS/EDGE), 4G (LTE), and 5G.

2G (GPRS)

2G (GPRS)

GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service. Information is sent in small data packets instead of one large piece. This makes it possible to exchange data via a mobile phone. EDGE is an extension of GPRS and makes speeds up to 384 kbps possible. KPN offers 99% coverage on GPRS/EDGE (2G) in the Netherlands.

Note: 2G will be terminated at Simyo at the end of 2027.

4G (LTE)

4G (LTE)

LTE (4G) stands for Long Term Evolution. Speeds up to 300 Mbps can be reached. Streaming videos, music or sending larger files is much easier compared to 2G. LTE is almost as fast as a fixed line broadband connection at home. Want to see where KPN 4G is available? Check the coverage map .

5G

5G

5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks and the follow-up to 4G. With 5G you enjoy higher speeds and lower latency, which makes downloading, streaming and gaming easy. Even in crowded areas such as stadiums or events. Maximum download speed is 300 Mbps, upload speed up to 150 Mbps. The actual speeds depend on your device, coverage and network congestion. Check the coverage map to see where KPN offers 5G.

Mobile internet speed at Simyo via the KPN network

How does it work?

The speed of your internet connection impacts how fast a mobile device can send or receive data. It is measured in Mbps (megabits per second) or Kbps (kilobits per second). Faster internet makes websites and apps load quicker and shortens download times. Streaming also works more smoothly with a good connection, with less interruptions. Sending or receiving short text messages in messaging apps uses less data and does not need high speed.

Internet speeds

The speeds below are not guaranteed. More information about practical speeds is available in the KPN test results.

Speed for 5G
Maximum download speed: 300 Mbps. Maximum upload speed: 150 Mbps. Thanks to lower latency and higher capacity, 5G is much faster than 4G in practice.

Speed for 4G
Maximum download speed: 300 Mbps. Maximum upload speed: 150 Mbps.

Speed for 2G
Maximum download speed: 384 Kbps. Maximum upload speed: 56 Kbps.

Which factors affect your internet speed?

Sometimes your mobile internet feels faster or slower. This depends on your location, your device, the mobile network and other conditions. KPN calculates the average speed using a measurement that simulates a user's circumstances as closely as possible.

Network

The speed of a mobile data connection is partially determined by the type of network connection. Simyo uses three types of mobile network: 2G, 4G and 5G. We offer 5G as standard for Sim Only , Prepaid and phone subscriptions . The icon on your phone shows which network you are connected to. KPN has nationwide coverage for 4G and 5G, and 99% for 2G. Check the coverage map to verify your signal strength.

Mobile device

The maximum speeds depend on your device model. Older phones often cannot use higher speeds. To use 4G or 5G, you need a capable device.

Location

Where you use your phone makes a big difference:

  • The further you're from the nearest cell tower, the weaker the signal.
  • Inside buildings, especially with concrete walls, you may notice slower speeds.
  • Obstacles such as large buildings or trees between you and the tower also affect the quality.

Other customers

A busy environment can lower the speed of mobile internet. A cell tower has limited capacity. The more people connected at the same time, the slower it gets. 5G has higher capacity, so even in crowded areas you will usually notice better performance.

Movement

When moving from one tower to another, for example on a train or in a car, the speed of your connection may drop.

Services and apps

Some services or websites use more data than others. Watching videos, downloading files or video calls need higher speeds. Simple browsing or sending a message uses only small amounts of data.

Question?
Answer

What if I have no coverage?

This can be caused by the network, your phone or your SIM. Most cases are easy to fix:

  • Restart your phone
    Turn off your phone for five minutes and then turn it back on. Your SIM will reconnect to the network.
  • Manual network selection
    Check your signal strength with the bars at the top of your screen. No bars on your screen? Try switching to the KPN network manually in your phone’s settings menu.
  • Check coverage in your area
    Use the coverage map to find out if there are updates or maintenance near your location.

Still no solution? Visit our troubleshooting guide for phone connection issues .

Is my phone ready for 4G or 5G?

Most modern phones support 4G. To use 5G , you need a newer device that supports the spectrum used in the Netherlands. Also check the manufacturer details of your phone.

Which services can I use with mobile internet?

Minimum speed needed per service:

  • Surfing: 0.5 Mbps
  • Email: 0.2 Mbps
  • Video streaming (SD): 0.4 Mbps
  • Video streaming (HD): 1 Mbps
  • Skype audio: 0.1 Mbps
  • Skype video: 0.6 Mbps
  • Audio streaming: 0.128-0.4 Mbps
  • File downloads: 1 Mbps or higher

The better your internet connection, the smoother the service. You’ll notice that watching videos requires a fast connection. A video is basically lots of still images shown really quickly, together with sound and color. All of that is sent as one continuous stream of data. That’s why you need enough speed to enjoy your video without any interruptions.

How does Wi-Fi calling work?

With a Simyo SIM you can call and text via Wi-Fi. This is useful if you have weak signal indoors but a stable Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi calling is free and works just like regular phone calls, minutes are taken from your Simyo bundle.

What does calling over Wi-Fi cost?

There are no extra charges for calling over Wi-Fi. The cost is exactly the same as calling via KPN’s mobile network. The minutes and texts you use are simply deducted from your regular call bundle.

How does Wi-Fi calling work?

If you try to call someone but you don’t have 4G or 5G coverage, your phone automatically switches to Wi-Fi. To make this work, you’ll need a compatible device and the right phone settings.

What do I need for Wi-Fi calling?

  • A compatible device
    Good news: nearly all modern smartphones from the past few years support Wi-Fi calling! In some cases, you may need to update your phone’s software to the latest version. Often, the option is already switched on by default.
  • The right settings
    Turn on ' Wi-Fi Calling ' in your phone’s settings.

What is the difference between Wi-fi, 2G, 4G and 5G?

On your smartphone with Simyo, you can use mobile internet in different ways. Here’s how they compare:

  • Wi-fi
    If you have broadband at home, you can get online via cable or Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is wireless, so you can use it on multiple devices like your mobile phone. All you need to do is connect your phone to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll also find free Wi-Fi in public places such as restaurants and libraries.
  • 2G (GPRS)
    2G, also called GPRS, is the oldest form of mobile internet still in use. It only really works when you’re standing still or walking, and it’s very slow. These days, it’s mainly used for communication between devices that don’t need a lot of data. The technology is outdated and will be phased out by the end of 2027, making way for 4G .
  • 3G
    3G was the first step toward modern mobile internet. This technology is now outdated and has been fully replaced by 4G. At Simyo, we no longer offer 3G.
  • 4G
    4G is the successor to 3G and offers much faster mobile internet. It’s available everywhere in the Netherlands and is a big step up from 2G and 3G. Want to check if your phone is 4G-ready and how to set it up? You can find everything you need in our Device Help section .
  • 5G
    5G is the fifth generation of mobile technology and the upgrade to 4G. Compared to 4G, it offers faster data speeds, greater capacity, and shorter response times. That means the delay between clicking on a Netflix series and it actually playing is almost gone. It’s also a big plus for mobile gamers. Another huge benefit? 5G can handle large crowds. On King’s Day, at festivals, or in a packed train station, you’ll still be able to browse and stream smoothly without interruptions. Pretty great, right?

Internet costs
When you’re on Wi-Fi, there are no extra costs. Mobile internet works differently: using it consumes MBs from your bundle. At Simyo, you can choose an internet bundle with the amount of MBs that suits you. If you run out, you’ll pay the out-of-bundle rate of €0.15 per MB. To help you avoid surprise costs, we’ll always notify you by SMS when you’ve used 80% and 100% of your bundle.

How do I know if I'm using Wi-FI or mobile data?
On most phones, you’ll see the Wi-Fi icon at the top of your screen when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network. Don’t see it? Then you’re using mobile data.

I’m getting an error message after inserting my SIM card. What do I do?

Do you see an error message on your phone’s screen when you try to use your SIM card? There can be several reasons for this. We’ve listed the most common error messages for you, along with the solutions .

What is the maritime network?

The maritime network is the network your phone switches to when you’re out at sea. This can happen when you’re on a cruise ship or taking a ferry to, for example, Great Britain or Scandinavia. In this case, your phone doesn’t connect to a regular land-based cell tower, but instead to one installed on the ship.

Even at sea, you can make calls, send text messages, and use the internet. But keep in mind: chances are you’ll be using the maritime network. This network runs via satellite connection, which means the costs fall outside your bundle (zone 4). Check the rates .

Whenever your phone connects via satellite, we’ll let you know. You’ll receive a text message confirming that your device is using a satellite connection, along with the costs involved.

What if there are network updates in my area?

Simyo uses the KPN network. The best-tested mobile network in the Netherlands. KPN is constantly working to improve the mobile network. Here’s what that means for you.

Maintenance in your area
During maintenance near you, KPN may replace old antennas with new ones. This ensures that:

  • Data speeds improve
  • The network becomes more reliable
  • Mobile coverage gets better

Reduced or no signal. What does that mean?
Most of the time, you won’t notice much during the work. Usually, there are enough nearby cell towers to take over the connection. You might notice a temporary drop in internet speed or a short moment where you can’t connect.

Tips for calling and browsing
If you do notice weaker coverage during this period, here are a few handy tips:

Internet
Use Wi-Fi to stay connected.

Calling

  • Use your landline if you still have one.
  • No signal outside? Walk a little further, once you’re within range of another tower, you’ll be able to make calls again.
  • Call and text via Wi-Fi. Most modern smartphones support this feature.
  • If you’re on Wi-Fi, you can also make free calls using apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime.

Can I still reach 112?
Yes, the emergency number 112 is always available. If you try to call 112 during antenna replacement, your call will automatically switch to another provider’s network if necessary.

Can I set my own phone manually?

Yes, you can enter your own network settings on iOS or Android if you prefer. On our website you find a full guide with the correct APN details.

Why can’t I call certain people?

Someone may be unavailable or it could be that their number is blocked in your phone settings. You can check this in your phone, usually in the ‘Contacts’ menu. Some phones have a fixed numbers (FDN) option, turn this off to allow all calls.

Why do I have no internet connection?

This can be caused by your SIM, phone or network. On our support page we explain the most common solutions step by step.