Netherlands - Data, Internet and E-services

Synopsis

Archived report: this report was archived on 5 April 2005 and has not been updated. The Netherlands has one of most advanced Internet markets in the world, with very strong levels of broadband usage and more than 65% of the population using the Internet regularly. In the data arena – encompassing leased lines, ISDN and the like – KPN and KPNQwest have been the major players, but the collapse of KPNQwest has allowed others to enter the fray. The country’s leased line and ISDN sectors are introduced in this report. During 2003 there was a major shift from dial-up to always-on access, particularly through cable modem and ADSL access services. In September 2003, KPN announce free broadband access to Dutch schools for three years. This report presents a historical snapshot of the Dutch data, Internet and e-services sectors in 2004.