KPN, the Dutch telecommunications giant, announced that it is acquiring the Dutch operations of Youfone, a fast-growing telecoms provider already operating on KPN's networks. The move sees KPN strengthen its brand portfolio and significantly reinforce its mobile and broadband market position, especially in the faster-growing no-frills segments.
Youfone, with more than 540,000 customers, is a provider of private internet, television, mobile and fixed-line subscriptions operating in the Netherlands and Belgium. The Rotterdam-based company was founded in 2008 by Valentijn Rensing and used the KPN and Proximus networks for its mobile services. Youfone customers will still use the Netherlands' best mobile and fixed networks despite the acquisition.
The acquisition, worth around EUR 200 million, will be added to KPN's portfolio alongside other brands such as XS4ALL, Solcon and Simyo. Although the Youfone organisation will continue to operate independently within KPN, it is expected to strengthen KPN's brand portfolio.
KPN and Youfone look optimistically to the future and expect to achieve further growth in the coming years by continuing the efficient business model Youfone has successfully established. This will ensure that current and future Youfone customers are served in their familiar way.
The acquisition is subject to closing conditions, including competition authority approval.
Youfone has made notable moves, such as acquiring Mobicross in 2017, which saw the company enter the fixed-line telephony, internet and television markets. In addition, the company has made successful moves into the business telecoms market and launched a new TV service based on Android TV in 2020, becoming the first provider in the Netherlands to use Android TV.
In addition, Youfone made some of its subscriptions cheaper and increased the size of its data bundles without raising prices. Recent adjustments in the prices of subscriptions and data bundles have probably contributed to the company's rapid growth.
Finally, Youfone is also socially involved, as the primary sponsor of the professional football club Vitesse in the 2013/2014 season and as a sponsor of Team DSM from 2022 onwards.
From Monday, Germany is implementing intensified border controls that could particularly affect shopping tourists from neighbouring countries. The measures aim to prevent illegal entries and strengthen internal security. But what does this mean for cross-border commuters and shopping enthusiasts?
The announced abolition of the net metering scheme on 1 January 2027 in the Netherlands has caused significant upheaval in the solar industry. Manufacturers and installers of solar panels see their business models threatened, while supporters of the decision hope for a much-needed relief for the electricity grid. This article examines the net metering scheme's background, its abolition consequences, and the prospects for solar energy in the Netherlands.
Due to lower tax rates on fuel and tobacco in Germany, petrol stations near the border are witnessing a significant increase in customers from the Netherlands. This trend has far-reaching effects on local business and consumer behaviour.
The controversial net metering regulation for solar panels, a central element in promoting renewable energies, will remain in place for the coming years. Despite plans by the caretaker cabinet to abolish this regulation, the Senate faction of GroenLinks-PvdA, with a decisive majority, has stood against the changes. This marks a significant victory for owners of solar panels and sends a strong signal in support of renewable energies.
