Before switching to Ben, you naturally want to be sure you'll have good reception at home and on the go. Below you'll find out what Ben's coverage looks like, how to check it for your address, and when coverage can fall short.
What do we mean by coverage?
Coverage isn't just about whether you have signal, but also about how stable your connection is, how fast you can browse, and whether that signal holds up indoors and in less obvious spots.
Which network does Ben use?
Ben runs entirely on Odido's network, including 4G and 5G. There's no separate Ben network: your coverage is therefore, in practice, identical to that of Odido customers. Want to know exactly how that works? Read: Ben Sim Only: network and overview
How good is Ben's coverage in the Netherlands?
Coverage in the city
In and around major cities, Odido's coverage is generally strong, with wide 4G and 5G availability.
Coverage in rural areas and on the road
Outside the city too, Odido is considered one of the networks with the best nationwide coverage in the Netherlands — according to Odido itself, more than 98% of Dutch residents live in an area where its 5G network works. That's especially handy if you travel a lot or live outside the Randstad.
Indoor reception
Indoor reception depends heavily on building materials (such as concrete or coated double glazing) and your exact location within the building. This applies to every mobile network, including Odido, and isn't specific to Ben.
How do you check coverage at your address?
Because Ben runs on the Odido network (Ben doesn't have its own coverage map), you use Odido's coverage map to check whether you have good reception at your address: Odido coverage map. There you can also see any outages or maintenance work in your area.
What factors affect your coverage?
Location
The closer you are to a mast and the fewer obstacles in between, the better your reception.
Network congestion
In busy locations with many simultaneous users, such as stations or events, speed can temporarily be lower, even though you still have signal.
Device type
An older device or one without 5G support won't benefit from the latest network technology, even if it's available at your location.
Is the coverage as good as with Odido itself?
Yes, the network — and therefore the coverage — is identical to Odido's. The only difference lies in the 200 Mbit/s speed limit Ben applies compared to a regular Odido plan.
When can coverage fall short?
Even on the strong Odido network, coverage can be harder to come by in remote rural areas, deep in basements or parking garages, or in new-build homes with a lot of insulation material. These are exceptions rather than the rule, but worth keeping in mind if you live or work in such a location.
Who is this relevant for?
This information is especially relevant if you're wondering whether an affordable provider like Ben still offers a reliable network. If you live or work somewhere where coverage is generally difficult (for example, a remote rural area), it's always wise to check the coverage map beforehand, regardless of which provider you choose.
Conclusion: what is Ben's coverage like?
Ben's coverage is identical to Odido's, because you're on the same network: strong in cities, good in rural areas, with 4G and 5G. Not sure about your specific address? Always check the coverage map before switching.
Not sure whether Ben offers enough coverage and network for your situation? Give Welli 2 minutes and you'll get advice that fits your situation and budget.