A cheap plan is nice to have, but coverage remains the most important thing. Research from the Consumentenbond (Dutch consumer association) shows that almost 70% of complaints about mobile providers are about poor coverage or a spotty internet connection. So it makes sense you first want to know: what's Simpel's coverage like?

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

Also read: Which provider does Simpel use?

Which network is Simpel on?

Odido as network partner

Simpel uses the Odido network (formerly T-Mobile). So no towers of its own, but it does have access to one of the three major networks in the Netherlands.

What does that mean for you? You get:

  • Nationwide coverage in cities and villages
  • Access to 4G and 5G at no extra charge
  • Download speeds up to 150 Mbit/s
  • A stable connection, even indoors

Odido has nationwide coverage. This means you'll have a signal almost everywhere, including in most rural areas.

4G and 5G availability with Simpel

5G has been included as standard in all Simpel plans since June 2024. So you don't need a separate 5G option or surcharge — it's simply included.

Coverage is reliable in:

  • Cities and villages
  • Indoors and outdoors
  • Even in busy locations such as stations, shopping centres, and events

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

Also read: 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 compared to more expensive providers, unless you send gigabytes of data every day.

What can you do with 150 Mbit/s?

  • Watch Netflix in high quality without buffering
  • Join Teams meetings without lag
  • Update dozens of apps at once
  • Stream YouTube in 1080p
  • Use Google Maps with real-time traffic info

This is more than enough for daily use. Good to know: this speed is a limit that Simpel itself applies, not a limitation of the Odido network itself. If you regularly upload large files (think video editors or photographers), check whether this speed is sufficient for you.

Performance in independent tests

Results from Ookla and Umlaut

The Odido network scored in 2023:

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

So you're on a network that has been in the Netherlands' top 3 for years. It performs especially well in:

  • The Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague)
  • Motorways and train stations
  • Large city centres
  • Residential areas and villages

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

Viewing the coverage map: here's how to check your coverage

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 any outages in your area

What do you see on the map?

The map shows colour zones per region:

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

It's smart to check this before you switch. That way, you'll know for sure there won't be any surprises.

Comparison with other budget providers

How does Simpel compare to other affordable providers?

  • Simyo (KPN network): slightly better coverage in some rural areas, but also a bit more expensive. Read about Simyo's coverage here.
  • Youfone (KPN network): comparable in price and, like Simpel, includes 5G as standard. Check out Youfone's coverage.
  • 50+Mobiel (Vodafone network): if budget is important, 50+Mobiel scores well with 44,000+ Trustpilot reviews (around 4.5/5). However, it has slightly less coverage in some rural areas than Odido. Good to know: 50+Mobiel is co-owned by the Home of the Brave holding company.

Simpel does well when it comes to coverage: the Odido network is one of the three major networks in the Netherlands, reliable and more than sufficient for daily use.

Who is Simpel's coverage a good fit for?

Simpel's coverage works well for:

  • City dwellers: excellent coverage in all major cities
  • Commuters: stable coverage on motorways and on the train
  • 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 every day, the speed limit that Simpel applies could be restrictive

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Conclusion: how good is Simpel's coverage?

Simpel uses the Odido network, known for its nationwide coverage and stable performance. You get access to 4G and 5G as standard, 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 simply have good coverage. And with the postcode check on Simpel.nl, you can be sure of it.

In short: Simpel's coverage is solid, reliable, and more than sufficient for daily use. A great choice in the budget segment.

Not sure whether to choose Simpel or another provider? Welli compares all bundles in real time and shows you what really fits your usage. Give Welli 2 minutes, and you'll have a bundle that's spot on.