More and more Dutch people are switching to 5G. According to figures from the Dutch Consumer & Market Authority, over 40% of mobile customers in 2024 already used a device with 5G support. So naturally you want to know: does Simpel have 5G too?
Short answer: yes. Since May 2024, 5G has been available at Simpel — no extra costs, no activation required, simply included.
In this article you'll read when Simpel got 5G, what you need, how fast it is, and how it compares to other providers.
Read also: Which provider does Simpel use?
When did Simpel get 5G?
Introduction in May 2024
From May 2024, 5G is included as standard with all Simpel subscriptions. Existing customers were automatically switched over. New customers get it immediately upon activation.
Who does it apply to?
For everyone with:
- An active Simpel subscription
- A 5G-compatible smartphone
- Access to Odido's 5G coverage area
No upgrade needed, no extra SIM card, no forms to fill in. It just works.
What do you need for 5G at Simpel?
5G-compatible phone
Check in your device settings whether your smartphone supports 5G. Does it show '5G' in your network options? Then you're ready.
Popular 5G devices include the iPhone 12 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and most Android devices from 2021 onwards.
No extra costs or settings
5G is included with every bundle — even the cheapest one. You don't need to:
- Activate anything
- Request an extra SIM card
- Perform an upgrade
- Pay a surcharge
As soon as your phone is compatible and you're in a 5G area, your device switches automatically.
How does Simpel's 5G network work?
Via the Odido network
Simpel uses the Odido network (formerly T-Mobile). Odido is known for its nationwide coverage and was one of the first providers to roll out 5G in the Netherlands.
Read also: How is Simpel's coverage?
Nationwide coverage and speed
In urban areas, 5G has already been fully rolled out. In villages and rural areas, this is following quickly. The maximum speeds at Simpel:
- 150 Mbit/s download
- 50 Mbit/s upload
For most applications, that's more than enough. Think of:
- HD streaming on Netflix or YouTube
- Video calling via WhatsApp or Zoom
- Browsing and social media
- Downloading large files (photos, documents)
Benefits of 5G in busy locations
Thanks to 5G, you experience less slow internet in busy places. Think of festivals, stations, shopping centers or sporting events. Where 4G sometimes gets congested due to too many users, 5G remains stable.
Comparison with other providers
Speed and stability
Premium providers like Odido itself or KPN achieve higher speeds — sometimes 500+ Mbit/s. But for daily use, you'll hardly notice the difference. A YouTube video in 4K requires about 25 Mbit/s. Even with 150 Mbit/s, you can run multiple streams simultaneously.
Simpel offers:
- Stable performance for daily use
- The same coverage as Odido
- Lower monthly costs than premium providers
Price-quality ratio
You pay no 5G surcharge. Your bundle price stays the same — whether you use 4G or 5G. That makes Simpel interesting if you want 5G without extra costs.
If budget matters to you: 50+mobiel is in our analysis the most affordable and one of the highest-rated providers (4.5/5 on Trustpilot with 44,000+ reviews). Simpel scores similarly on price but offers slightly higher 5G speeds.
Frequently asked questions about 5G at Simpel
Does 5G work abroad?
No. Outside the Netherlands, you automatically fall back to 4G or 3G, depending on your roaming partner. 5G is only available within the Netherlands.
Do I need to activate anything?
No. 5G works automatically when:
- Your phone is compatible
- Your subscription is active
- You're in a 5G area
No need to adjust settings or call customer service. It just works.
Can I disable 5G if I want to?
Yes. In your phone settings, you can manually switch back to 4G. Useful if you want to save battery — 5G uses slightly more power than 4G.
Who is 5G at Simpel interesting for?
5G at Simpel suits you if you:
- Regularly stream HD videos on the go
- Often find yourself in busy places (stations, festivals, shopping centers)
- Want to download large files without wifi
- Want 5G without extra costs or hassle
Less interesting if you:
- Mainly use wifi and little mobile internet
- Have an older phone without 5G support
- Live in an area where 5G isn't available yet
Unsure which provider to choose? Welli compares all bundles in real-time and shows which one best fits your usage — including 5G options.
Read also: Is Simpel a good provider?
Conclusion: does Simpel have a 5G network?
Yes. Since May 2024, Simpel offers standard access to 5G via the Odido network. No extra costs, no settings, no hassle.
The speed is solid (up to 150 Mbit/s download), the coverage is good, and it works automatically as soon as you have a 5G-compatible phone.
In short: 5G at Simpel is simply arranged — and included in your subscription.
Give Welli 2 minutes and you'll have a bundle that truly fits you. Click to start.