The Netherlands is witnessing a mobile data revolution, and it’s happening right in our homes. Mobile data usage skyrocketed by 16% in the second quarter of 2025, shattering records set just months earlier. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this surge isn’t just about more people streaming or scrolling—it’s largely driven by the rise of 5G home internet services like Odido’s Klik&Klaar. This innovative product allows users to ditch traditional cables and rely on 5G for their home internet, blurring the lines between mobile and fixed-line usage. As a result, what would typically count as fixed-line data is now boosting mobile data statistics.
To put this into perspective, mobile data consumption hit a staggering 719 million gigabytes in Q2 2025. The last time we saw such a dramatic increase was in Q2 2023, when usage jumped by over 20%. For context, Q1 2025 saw a 7% growth, reaching 619 million gigabytes—already a record at the time. This rapid acceleration raises questions: Are consumers actively choosing 5G home internet, or is it a side effect of bundled services? And what does this mean for traditional fixed-line providers?
But that’s not all—independent mobile providers are also making waves. Brands like 50+, Lyca, and Lebara, which don’t own their network infrastructure, saw their market share climb from 15-20% in Q1 to 20-25% in Q2. The number of SIM cards issued by these providers rose from 4.9 million to 5.4 million, signaling a growing preference for flexibility and affordability. This shift challenges the dominance of established network operators and could reshape the competitive landscape.
Meanwhile, fiber-optic subscriptions grew by 2.8% in Q2 2025, according to the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). While this growth is steady, it pales in comparison to the explosive rise in mobile data usage. And this is the part most people miss: As 5G home internet becomes more prevalent, will fiber-optic investments slow down? Or will the two technologies coexist, catering to different consumer needs?
This data isn’t just numbers—it’s a reflection of how quickly our digital habits are evolving. Is the Netherlands on the brink of a fixed-line internet decline, or is this just a temporary shift? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this controversial trend.
