Vodafone Netherlands has increased download speeds on its HSPA network to a maximum 28.8 Mbps in the four largest cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. This is twice the previous maximum speed for mobile broadband. The operator has also increased capacity to try to alleviate any congestion points. The new maximum speed will be available on a number of mobile broadband plans for laptop users. They will also get a higher upload speed, of 5.8Mbps. To access this, they need a new modem, which will be provided free with subscriptions for speeds from 14.4Mbps. Existing customers with the tariffs Mobiel Breedband Basis (Pro) and Extra (Pro), Mobiel Breedband Internationaal, Data Groepsbundel and Vodafone Europe will also get the higher speeds. Vodafone plans to further expand the higher speeds of 14.4 to 28.8Mbps in the Randstad region and a number of other large cities in the Netherlands. MIMO will be deployed at the base stations, including software and hardware upgrades, and the backhaul will also be improved.
