KPN was the first to introduce mobile phones in Holland. Back then KPN was called PTT and it was the state-owned telephone company, so were first into the market. Libertel was soon to follow and was the first to introduce a 'prepaid' system, also known as 'Pay as you go'. They were brought in 2001 and now run under Vodafone. Three further providers have also entered the Dutch mobile market; Telfort (owed by O2), Orange (formerly Dutchtone), and T-Mobile (formerly Ben).
Both KPN and Vodafone operate on a GSM 900 network. Telfort, Orange, and T-mobile operate on a GSM 1800 network. This means almost all mobile phones in Holland nowadays are at least 'dual band' (they work with both GSM 900 and 1800 networks). Many phones are 'tri-band' and work on American GSM 1900 networks.
Unless you have a doctorate in nuclear physics, understanding the pricing plans of the various providers can be a challenge. They are complex and built to confuse, the following points should help:
Ask yourself when you call (morning, day or evening, weekends)
Prepaid and contract rate plans have two groups: hourly rates and universal rates:
Ask yourself where you call (fixed lines or which mobile provider)
There are different rates depending whether you called a fixed lines, to mobiles with the same company and to other mobiles. Calls to mobiles with the same operator are the cheapest while calls to mobiles outside that operator are the most expensive. It can be worth finding out what operator your friends use!
A few other important items regarding calling rates, , all providers (except for special promotions):
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