More and more people over 50 are choosing a sim only plan. According to the CBS, in 2023 as many as 91% of 65- to 75-year-olds and 66% of those over 75 use the internet daily. The smartphone has become an indispensable part of everyday life, even for older generations. One of the providers specifically targeting this group is 50+ mobiel. But what can you really expect?
In this review, we share the key experiences, pros and cons, and everything you need to know about the network, bundles, and terms of 50+ mobiel.
Also read: Is 50+ mobiel a good provider?
Customer experiences with 50+ mobiel
Rating on reliability and service
Customer research shows that many users find 50+ mobiel reliable. Customer service is generally rated positively: quick to reach, helpful, and clear. However, there are a few cases where customers report slow activation or confusion when setting up features like hotspotting.
On Trustpilot, 50+ mobiel has more than 44,000 reviews with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This makes the provider stand out within the budget segment.
User-friendliness of the plan
The SIM card is usually delivered within 1 to 2 business days. Installation is easy thanks to clear instructions. The online environment is also seen as clear and user-friendly, ideal for those who aren't tech-savvy on a daily basis.
Switching and installation process
Switching usually goes smoothly. Number retention is included and works without issues in most cases. However, short delays can occur during activation. Our experience is that the switching service is well organized, but it pays to start the process in good time.
Also read: How do you activate 50+ mobiel?
Network and coverage of 50+ mobiel
Network performance based on nationwide coverage
50+ mobiel uses Vodafone's network, with virtually nationwide coverage. In practice, this means good reception across almost all of the Netherlands. Whether you live in the city or in the countryside, chances are you'll have reception everywhere.
Also read: How is the coverage of 50+ mobiel?
Internet speed and 5G
50+ mobiel supports both 4G and 5G. The maximum speed is around 200 Mb/s, which is more than enough for most users. Think WhatsApp, YouTube, Netflix, and Google Maps: all of that works perfectly fine. To use 5G, you do need a 5G-compatible device.
For a full picture of the current network technology, check out: Which network does 50+ mobiel use?
Experiences with calling and browsing at the same time
A common limitation used to be that you couldn't call and use the internet at the same time. This was because calls ran over the 2G network, while internet ran over 4G. During a call, your internet connection would temporarily drop.
Since the introduction of VoLTE (calling via 4G), this has changed. 50+ mobiel now supports VoLTE, meaning calls run over the 4G network. In practice, this means you can keep using the internet during a call, for example to send messages or look something up.
This not only makes things more convenient, but also results in a more stable connection and better call quality.
Bundles, costs, and the fine print
Plans and flexibility
You can choose from bundles ranging from 5 to 60 GB of data. The contract term is a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. You can increase your bundle mid-contract, but not decrease it. Monthly (rolling) contracts aren't available with 50+ mobiel. So if flexibility is your priority, you might want to look elsewhere.
Also read: What does a 50+ mobiel plan cost?
Out-of-bundle rates
If you've used up your bundle, you'll pay €0.23 per minute/text and €0.10 per MB for usage in the Netherlands and zone 1. Keep in mind: 100 MB of extra data already costs €10 that way. A bundle that's too small can quickly become a lot more expensive. This provider does offer a handy solution for this, though. For just €0.50 extra per month, you can set your own spending cap. This helps prevent unexpected out-of-bundle costs.
Fair use policy for unlimited calling and texting
For unlimited calling and texting, a fair use policy of around 10,000 minutes/texts per month applies. More than enough for most users, but it's good to know that a limit does exist.
Pros and cons of 50+ mobiel according to our research
Positives from customer reviews
- Low monthly price for sim only: competitively priced within the budget segment
- Reliable network with broad coverage: reception almost everywhere via the Vodafone network
- SIM card delivered quickly and easy to install: arrives within 1-2 business days
- Customer service scores well on availability and helpfulness: 4.5/5 on Trustpilot with 44,000+ reviews
Recurring criticisms
- No monthly contract available: minimum one-year commitment
- Bundle can only be adjusted upward: can't be decreased
- Speed capped at a maximum of 200 Mb/s: lower than what's possible on the Vodafone network itself
- Out-of-bundle rates are relatively high: €0.10 per MB can add up quickly
Is 50+ mobiel a good choice for you?
Who this plan is attractive for
50+ mobiel is a smart choice if you:
- Are looking for an affordable sim only plan
- Don't need the very highest internet speeds
- Value stable customer service and good coverage
- Know your usage well and don't expect it to change soon
What to watch out for when signing up
Keep these points in mind before you choose:
- No monthly plan available: minimum one-year contract
- Bundle can only be adjusted upward, not decreased
- Fair use rules for 'unlimited' calling/texting: 10,000 minutes/texts per month
- You pay relatively a lot for out-of-bundle usage, so choose a bundle that fits your needs
How does 50+ mobiel compare to other budget providers?
If budget is important, 50+ mobiel scores well: 44,000+ Trustpilot reviews with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Other budget providers such as Simyo and Youfone often offer more flexibility (such as monthly contracts), but are generally somewhat more expensive. Good to know: 50+ mobiel is co-owned by the Home of the Brave holding company. We compare all providers in the same, neutral way.
For those who mainly want to save money and are willing to commit for a year, 50+ mobiel is a strong choice. For those who value flexibility more, alternatives such as Simyo or Youfone are worth considering.
Also read: Is 50+ mobiel or Youfone the best sim only provider?
Conclusion: everything you need to know about 50+ mobiel
Based on our research, we conclude that 50+ mobiel is an attractive option for anyone looking for a competitively priced sim only plan with reliable coverage. You benefit from low monthly costs, clear terms, and a customer-focused switching service. The provider does exactly what it promises, without any fuss.
Still, there are a few things to watch out for: you're locked into a one-year contract, and out-of-bundle costs can add up if your bundle isn't well matched to your usage. Not being able to decrease your bundle is another limitation.
In short: 50+ mobiel is a smart choice if you want to pay little, want good coverage, and know your usage well. Still unsure? Then always compare multiple sim only plans and choose what suits you best.
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