KPN Plans to Enhance Urban Aesthetics with Fiber Optic Upgrades
Netherlands, Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
KPN aims to boost urban aesthetics by burying fiber optic sprouts while expanding high-speed internet connectivity, reaching 80% of Dutch households by 2026.
Network Expansion and Aesthetic Improvements
Dutch telecommunications giant KPN has announced a significant shift in its fiber optic deployment strategy, focusing on connecting existing infrastructure to households while removing unsightly fiber optic sprouts from streets. Currently, KPN and its partner Glaspoort have achieved coverage of 63% of Dutch households, serving 5.3 million homes [1][2]. The company has identified approximately 1.2 million locations where fiber optic sprouts remain visible, marking these for integration into household connections [1].
Strategic Shift and Coverage Goals
According to KPN CEO Joost Farwerck, ‘We are now in the final phase of our fiber rollout’ [1]. The company’s strategic pivot represents a move from widespread infrastructure installation to focused household connectivity. This initiative aligns with KPN’s ambitious target to achieve approximately 80% coverage of Dutch households by the end of 2026, aiming to connect a total of 6.7 million households [1][2]. The strategy forms part of KPN’s broader ‘Connect, Activate & Grow’ initiative, which completed its first full year of implementation in 2024 [2].
Enhanced Mobile Connectivity
Complementing its fiber optic initiatives, KPN has also made significant strides in mobile connectivity. The company’s 5G network coverage has expanded to 98% of the Netherlands, marking an increase from 95% in 2022 and 97% in 2023 [1]. This expansion has been further strengthened by KPN’s successful acquisition of a frequency package in the 3.5 GHz auction, which will enable enhanced capacity in high-traffic areas [1][2].
Financial Performance and Infrastructure Development
KPN’s infrastructure initiatives have coincided with strong financial performance, with the company reporting a 3.4% increase in revenue to €5.6 billion in 2024, resulting in a profit of €874 million [1]. The company has also established a new infrastructure partnership through Althio, a joint venture formed with pension fund ABP on February 7, 2025, which will manage approximately 3,800 mobile transmission masts and roof locations [4]. This strategic move demonstrates KPN’s commitment to maximizing its infrastructure value while maintaining control over critical assets [4].