Almost all major providers now have one or more Unlimited packages in their offering, but who are these subscriptions intended for? Do you really need a mobile subscription with unlimited internet, calling and texting?
More and more smartphone users are switching to a subscription with unlimited data. It provides the necessary security and you don’t have to worry about it. But do you really have the freedom of unlimited internet and access to your provider’s mobile network?
Unlimited subscriptions
All major players on the Dutch market offer unlimited subscriptions for smartphones. This type mobile subscription gives the user unlimited access to the network. Not only can you use unlimited internet, calling and texting are also included in this package. This means you don’t have to worry about your consumption and you can use your smartphone to your heart’s content.
Benefits of unlimited
- Unlimited use: The most important advantage is that you can make unlimited use of your provider’s network. This means that you don’t have to worry about limits on data usage, calling minutes and more.
- No extra costs: With unlimited, in most cases you don’t have to worry about extra costs. This subscription has a fixed price per month, regardless of your consumption
- Intensive use: Because there are no hidden costs and limits, this subscription is ideal for people who use data or streaming services a lot. You can use the subscription intensively without additional costs
- Attractive for families: If all family members use the same network, you can share an unlimited subscription with most providers, share MBs or add additional members for a lower price.
Disadvantages of unlimited subscription
Are there also disadvantages to such an unlimited subscription? That is difficult to assess. If you are an intensive user, such a package is ideal. But if you do not use more than 5 GB of internet and 100 calling minutes per month, such an unlimited subscription is not for you and it is better to go for an alternative. Unlimited subscriptions are often more expensive than limited alternatives and if you do not get the most out of them, it is disadvantageous for the user.
Is unlimited really unlimited?
In general, unlimited is sufficient to experience unlimited use of the network. However, there are exceptions to the rule, but this depends on the user. We take Odido’s subscriptions as an example, they offer a wide choice of unlimited subscriptions for every user. The conditions are the same for most providers.
Limited data usage abroad
With an Odido Unlimited subscription you start every day with a daily credit of 20 GB (valid in the Netherlands). If the GBs run out, you will receive a message and you can increase the limit by 2GB for free. This can be done as often as you want and is intended to prevent unfair and/or commercial use. Abroad this is a different story and you are limited. In the EU you have 35 GB every month. If they run out, you can always buy an MB supplement. Outside the EU you always have to pay extra for using mobile internet. It is then recommended to purchase a cheap eSIM for abroad.
Speed ​​limit
The major Dutch providers offer more than one limited subscription. You can often choose from several packages where speed restrictions apply. Odido, for example, has four forms with a speed of 10Mbit/s to 1Gbit/s. The cheaper the subscription per month, the lower the speed.
Unlimited calling
Just like with data, mobile calling is also limited with this type of subscription. This means you can often make unlimited calls within the Netherlands and also when you are on holiday in the EU. If you call from the Netherlands or from an EU country to a number outside the Netherlands, you are calling based on a limit. In most cases this is 120 minutes per month. Call to information and service numbers is not included in the bundle.
Conclusion
Do you really have complete freedom when taking out an Unlimited subscription? In general, yes, within the Netherlands you can make unlimited use of your provider’s mobile network and unlimited internet, calling and texting. Depending on the package, there are speed restrictions.
To prevent unfair use and abuse, internet usage is monitored per day up to a maximum of 20 GB and you can top it up for free. Outside the Netherlands there are restrictions on the use of your subscription, but even then this is more than sufficient during your holiday.
An unlimited subscription is only recommended if you actually use your smartphone frequently, especially calling and internet. Do you hardly make any calls and use no more than five or ten gigabytes of internet per month? Then a normal SIM Only subscription is a better alternative.