Vodafone Netherlands has launched internet, telephony and TV services nationwide via its DSL network. Customers can put together their own Vodafone Home packages and adjust them on a monthly basis, making it easier for them to try new services for a while. TV and fixed calls are optional and Vodafone Home supplies only where there is sufficient bandwidth, of at least 12 Mbps. Packages are available with speeds of 20 Mbits, 40 Mbits, and 80 Mbits, and in areas where fibre is now at 50 Mbits, 100 Mbits and 500 Mbits.
Home customers will all have a standard 54 digital channels in their TV package including 25 HD channels, Catch-up TV with a ten day archive, and an app for smartphones or tablets. Additional channel packages are divided into categories such as kids & music, international, entertainment, infotainment and premium packages like HBO and Fox Sports.
Standard DSL internet service costs EUR 30 per month and provides up to 80/8 Mbps (down/up). Vodafone NL also offers speeds of 40/4 Mpbs and 20/2 Mbps for EUR 27.50 and EUR 25 per month respectively. Call rates are at EUR 0.80 per minute for fixed numbers, with a start rate of EUR 0.10. The rate also applies for calls to mobile numbers in the Netherlands.
Vodafone NL is aiming over the next five years for a market share of 10 percent in the fixed market, Vodafone NL Fixed head Gerard Overmars told Telecompaper. To achieve this, the company will have to attract 70,000-80,000 customers per year. The operator wants to become the player behind KPN and UPC/Ziggo. Vodafone said Vodafone Home will not be linked to mobile subscriptions but next year, it will be further integrated with operator services. Overmars said mobile-only players could be inconvenienced.
Vodafone NL is still currently using the KPN network for its HD and 8 Mbps TV streams. The operator expects it will be able to provide its services to 1 million households by the beginning of next year, via ODF (unbundled access to the Reggefiber network), and to more thereafter. The HD channels will be offered with speeds of up to 15 Mbps.
Vodafone will launch a nationwide campaign on 5 October to show that it more than just a 'mobile' company. The operator plans to invest “hundreds of millions” into its fixed network –and accompanying promotions- in the coming years.
