The Dutch broadband landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and it’s not just about fiber taking the crown. While fiber has officially surpassed cable as the dominant technology in Dutch households, the story is far from over. But here’s where it gets controversial: cable isn’t going down without a fight, and its resilience might surprise you.
In the first quarter of 2025, fiber claimed the top spot in Dutch homes, largely at the expense of aging copper xDSL networks. Yet, cable broadband, though experiencing a dip in users, is expected to remain a key player in the Netherlands’ connectivity ecosystem. This shift is part of a broader trend where the Netherlands outpaces neighboring Belgium in fiber adoption, as illustrated by the steady expansion of fiber infrastructure across the country. This expansion is making high-speed internet more accessible than ever, but it’s not without its challenges.
And this is the part most people miss: While fiber’s rise is undeniable, cable’s market share has held surprisingly steady at 38%, down only slightly from 41% in late 2022. This resilience raises a thought-provoking question: Can cable networks adapt and remain competitive, even as fiber offers faster speeds, particularly in uploads?
The competitive dynamics are heating up. KPN, a major player, now reaches 5.51 million homes, with 695,000 connected through its Glaspoort joint venture. Meanwhile, Open Dutch Fiber (ODF) and Delta Fiber are expanding their networks, though both have scaled back their ambitions due to the challenge of network overbuild—a situation where multiple operators build networks in the same area, leading to inefficiency. Delta Fiber, for instance, has sold a network covering 200,000 homes to KPN, pending regulatory approval.
VodafoneZiggo, another key player, is under pressure to reinvent itself. With fiber eroding its speed advantage, the company has aligned its pricing with KPN’s. But can it maintain its market share? Historically, KPN has competed on price despite offering slower xDSL products, and brand loyalty, marketing, and ancillary services play a significant role in this battle. Here’s a bold interpretation: What if VodafoneZiggo’s survival hinges not just on pricing but on its ability to leverage partnerships and network upgrades like Docsis 4.0?
Adding to the complexity, both ODF and Delta Fiber are reportedly carrying substantial debt, which could become a burden if interest rates rise. This financial strain, coupled with the difficulty of gaining market share from established players like KPN and VodafoneZiggo, raises another controversial point: Would it be mutually beneficial for smaller operators if KPN or VodafoneZiggo began using their networks? VodafoneZiggo has already agreed to do so for 200,000 homes in Delta Fiber’s footprint, but a broader wholesale agreement seems unlikely in the near term.
As the Dutch broadband market evolves, one thing is clear: fiber’s dominance is just the beginning. The real question is how cable and other technologies will adapt to stay relevant. What do you think? Is cable’s resilience a sign of its enduring value, or is it merely a temporary holdout against the inevitable fiber takeover? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!
