A cheap subscription is nice to have, but coverage remains the most important factor. Research by the Dutch Consumer Association shows that nearly 70% of complaints about mobile providers are about poor coverage or unstable internet. So it makes sense that you want to know first: how is Simpel's coverage?

In this article, we explain which network Simpel uses, what to expect in terms of 4G and 5G, how fast your connection is — and how you can check it yourself with the coverage map.

Read also: Which provider does Simpel use?

Which network does Simpel use?

Odido as network partner

Simpel uses the Odido network (formerly T-Mobile). No own cell towers, but access to one of the largest and best-tested networks in the Netherlands.

What does that mean for you? You get:

  • Nationwide coverage in cities and villages
  • Access to 4G and 5G without extra charges
  • Download speeds up to 150 Mbit/s
  • A stable connection, even indoors

Odido has the most cell towers in the Netherlands. This means you have coverage almost everywhere — even in rural areas where other providers sometimes struggle.

4G and 5G availability with Simpel

5G has been included as standard with all Simpel subscriptions since June 2024. You don't need a separate 5G option or surcharge — it's just included.

Coverage is reliable in:

  • Cities and villages
  • Indoors and outdoors
  • Even at busy locations like train stations, shopping centers, and events

Want to know if 5G is also active in your street? Use the postcode check on Simpel.nl (see further down in this article).

Read also: Does Simpel have a 5G network?

Network speed

Download and upload speed

Simpel offers:

  • 150 Mbit/s download
  • 50 Mbit/s upload

That's fast enough for video calls, HD streaming, and downloading large files. In practice, you'll notice little difference from more expensive providers — unless you send gigabytes of data daily.

What can you do with 150 Mbit/s?

  • Watch Netflix in high quality without buffering
  • Teams meetings without interruptions
  • Update dozens of apps simultaneously
  • Stream YouTube in 1080p
  • Use Google Maps with real-time traffic information

For daily use, this is more than sufficient. Only if you regularly upload large files (think video editors or photographers) will you notice that KPN or Vodafone are faster — but that's reflected in the price too.

Performance in independent tests

Results from Ookla and Umlaut

The Odido network scored in 2023:

  • 2nd place at Umlaut (independent network test)
  • 970+ points at Ookla (out of 1000)

So you're on a network that has been in the top 3 in the Netherlands for years. Particularly good in:

  • The Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague)
  • Highways and train stations
  • Major cities
  • Residential areas and villages

Want to know if this also applies to your street? Do the postcode check below.

Viewing the coverage map: how to check your signal

Postcode check on Simpel.nl

Via Simpel's coverage map you can see:

  • What coverage you have at your address
  • Whether 4G and/or 5G is active
  • Whether there are outages in your area

What do you see on the map?

The map shows color zones per region:

  • Green = strong coverage indoors and outdoors
  • Orange = moderate signal indoors (usually good outdoors)
  • Red = weak signal (rarely occurs)

Smart to check before you switch. That way you know for sure you won't get any surprises.

Comparison with other budget providers

How does Simpel perform compared to other affordable providers?

  • Simyo (KPN network): slightly better coverage in some rural areas, but also slightly more expensive. Read about Simyo's coverage here.
  • Youfone (KPN network): comparable in price, but Simpel has 5G as standard — with Youfone it's an option. Check Youfone's coverage.
  • 50+mobiel (Vodafone network): if budget is important, 50+mobiel scores high with 44,000+ Trustpilot reviews (4.5/5) and according to our internal analysis was ranked #1 longest in 2025 for best Sim Only deal. Slightly less coverage in some rural areas than Odido though.

Simpel sits in the middle in terms of coverage: not the absolute best (that's KPN), but reliable and more than sufficient for daily use.

Who is Simpel's coverage suitable for?

Simpel's coverage is a good fit for:

  • City dwellers — excellent coverage in all major cities
  • Commuters — stable signal on highways and trains
  • Remote workers — reliable connection for video calls and cloud services
  • Streamers — 150 Mbit/s is more than enough for Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify

Less suitable for:

  • People in very remote areas — always check the postcode map first
  • Professional uploaders — if you send large files daily, KPN is faster

Compare all Sim Only bundles with Welli →

Conclusion: how good is Simpel's coverage?

Simpel uses the Odido network, known for its nationwide coverage and stable performance. You get standard access to 4G and 5G, with a solid speed of 150 Mbit/s — enough for Netflix, Teams meetings, and Google Maps.

Whether you live in the city or in the countryside: chances are you'll have good coverage. And with the postcode check on Simpel.nl, you'll know for sure.

In short: Simpel's coverage is solid, reliable, and more than sufficient for daily use. Not the absolute best in the Netherlands, but one of the best in the budget segment.

Unsure between Simpel and another provider? Welli compares all bundles in real-time and shows what truly fits your usage. Give Welli 2 minutes and you'll have a bundle that works for you.