Considering a Sim Only plan with Ben and want to know who's behind it and which network you'll be using? Below you'll find Ben's history, the network it uses, and who the current owner is.
What type of provider is Ben?
Ben is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator): a provider without its own cell towers that uses the network of a larger party. Ben is one of the older budget brands in the Dutch mobile market and positions itself as simple, affordable, and mainly manageable through online channels.
The history of Ben
Ben was launched in the late nineties as a separate brand, initially as a collaboration between several European telecom companies. In 2002, Ben was acquired by Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile), after which the brand faded into the background for a few years. In 2008, Ben was relaunched, this time as an affordable Sim Only brand on the T-Mobile network — a positioning it has maintained ever since.
Which network does Ben use?
Ben runs on the Odido network, the company formed from the merger of T-Mobile Netherlands and Tele2 Netherlands (completed in September 2023). All Ben plans include 5G as standard. As an MVNO, Ben can apply its own speed limit that's lower than what the Odido network can maximally deliver — similar to other budget brands that piggyback on a larger network.
Who owns Ben?
Ben is part of the Odido group, alongside other brands such as Simpel and Tele2 Thuis. Odido itself is the result of the merger of T-Mobile Netherlands and Tele2 Netherlands. Ben operates as an independent brand within this group, with its own app ('Ik Ben') for managing your plan.
How does Ben distinguish itself from other Odido brands?
Within the Odido group, Simpel is generally the cheapest brand, while Ben focuses a bit more on convenience: adjusting your bundle monthly, eSIM support, and 5G included as standard. Curious what a Ben plan actually costs and offers? Then read: What does Ben Sim Only offer? Review and honest overview
Who is Ben interesting for?
Ben is especially interesting for anyone looking for a reliable network at a reasonable price, without unnecessary extras, and who prefers to handle things themselves online via the app or website.
Conclusion: which provider is Ben?
Ben is an MVNO on the Odido network (formerly T-Mobile), owned by Deutsche Telekom since 2002 and now part of the Odido group. The brand has existed since the late nineties and positions itself as one of the Netherlands' better-known, affordable Sim Only brands.
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