Why is Simpel so cheap? The full explanation

Simpel is one of the cheapest sim only providers in the Netherlands. Sometimes you pay just a few euros per month, while others charge double for less data. How is that possible?

According to research by the ACM (Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets), 73% of consumers consider monthly fixed costs the most important factor when choosing a mobile subscription. And Simpel is a striking example if you want to keep fixed costs as low as possible.

In this article, we explain why Simpel is so cheap, how they manage it — and whether you can really trust it.

Simpel in brief: what kind of provider is this?

Simpel is a sim only provider. No phones, no stores, only standalone SIM card subscriptions. You arrange everything online. The company has existed since 2007 and targets users who want a sharply priced subscription — without frills.

What is their strategy?

Cut costs. Everything that isn't essential, they leave out:

No physical stores
No phone sales
No own network management
Minimal customer service

What remains? Low monthly prices and stable performance.

No stores, no frills

Simpel has no physical locations. Everything goes through the website or app. That means:

No rental costs for store premises
No counter staff
No expensive interiors

Effect on costs

This saving goes directly into their pricing model. Lower fixed costs mean lower rates for you as a customer. Do you still want personal contact? Then Simpel might not be the best choice. But for those who can arrange everything themselves, it saves a lot of money.

No phones, only sim only

At Simpel, you don't buy a device. Only a SIM card. Want a new phone? Then you buy it yourself elsewhere.

What that means for you as a customer

No installment plan, no complicated device terms, more freedom. And you can just keep using your current device. Suitable for:

Those who already have a phone
Those who prefer to buy a device themselves
Those who don't want long-term contracts with device payments

Simpel focuses purely on the SIM card. That keeps their business model simple — and therefore cheap.

Use of the Odido network

Simpel doesn't have its own network. They use the network of Odido (formerly T-Mobile). So they don't manage their own cell towers.

How this saves costs

They rent capacity and don't have to do maintenance. You benefit from:

4G and 5G coverage
Download speed up to 150 Mbit/s
Stable connection in almost all of the Netherlands

For normal use, that's more than enough: streaming in HD, video calling, online music listening. The network is the same as Odido's own — you just pay less because Simpel doesn't have to maintain its own infrastructure.

Efficient operations: arrange everything yourself via app or website

At Simpel, you do everything yourself:

Adjust your bundle
Check usage
Download invoices
Arrange number portability

No human contact needed — and therefore no queues (and lower costs).

Less staff = lower prices

No large customer service team, no expensive phone support. You notice that in the price. But be aware: it sometimes also means longer response times. Are you someone who likes to call customer service? Then Simpel can be frustrating. Do you prefer to arrange everything yourself? Then this is actually an advantage.

What do you actually get for your money?

Simpel is cheap, but not worthless. You simply get a working subscription with stable performance.

Coverage and speed

You use the Odido network, including:

4G and 5G coverage
Download speed up to 150 Mbit/s
Upload speed up to 50 Mbit/s

More than sufficient for normal use. Think of: WhatsApp, YouTube, Netflix, Google Maps, Spotify. Only if you consume gigabytes per day or are always in remote locations might a premium provider be a better fit.

Flexible bundles and cap

You can:

Change your bundle every month
Set a usage cap
Ensure you never pay more than you want

That gives control. And control means you won't suddenly face a high bill.

How does Simpel compare with other budget providers?

Simpel isn't the only cheap provider. Youfone, Simyo, Budget Mobiel, and 50+mobiel are in the same segment. What makes Simpel different?

Simpel focuses on simplicity. No extra options, no complicated choices. Just a SIM card, a bundle, done. Other budget providers sometimes offer more flexibility (like Youfone with international bundles) or better customer service (like 50+mobiel with phone accessibility).

If budget is important, 50+mobiel scores high: 44,000+ Trustpilot reviews with 4.5/5 and according to our internal analysis, ranked #1 longest in 2025 for best Sim Only deal. Simpel is comparable in price but less strong in service.

Who is Simpel suitable for?

Simpel suits you if:

You can arrange everything yourself via an app or website
You don't need phone customer service
You already have a phone and only need a SIM card
You want to keep fixed costs as low as possible

Simpel does not suit you if:

You like to call customer service
You want to buy a new phone through your provider
You travel a lot and need special international bundles
You value personal contact

Unsure between Simpel and another budget provider? Welli compares all providers in real-time and shows which bundle truly fits your usage.

Start comparing with Welli →

Conclusion: why is Simpel so cheap?

Simpel deliberately keeps it simple. They have no physical stores of their own, don't sell phones but only standalone SIM card subscriptions, have no own network, and don't invest extra in service. You arrange most things yourself. And that saves a lot.

In short: Simpel is cheap because you only pay for what you really need. No hassle, no extras, no hidden costs. For those who value that, Simpel is a smart choice.

Give Welli 2 minutes and you'll have a bundle that truly fits you. Click to start.

Why is Simpel so cheap? The explanation behind the low prices