The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has announced plans to enhance enforcement of telecom operators' obligations to actively inform consumers about their contract statuses and the most economical pricing options. This decision follows the findings of the 'Market Scan of the Dutch Telecom Market,' which highlighted that many consumers are stuck in 'sleeping' contracts, leading to higher costs, especially in the budget segment of broadband services.

According to the market scan, a significant percentage of fixed and mobile telecom plans have already entered automatic renewal phases, with 79% of fixed broadband plans and 60% of mobile contracts being affected. Consumers in the budget segment, particularly those with broadband plans offering speeds below 100 Mbps, are paying an average of 44 euros per month, which is higher than those with faster plans. This discrepancy raises concerns about the affordability of internet access for all households.

The ACM's analysis also revealed that while the quality of telecom services in the Netherlands is high, many consumers feel that broadband prices are excessive. The authority plans to conduct further studies into the pricing dynamics of the budget segment and the overall functioning of the market. Manon Leijten, a member of the ACM board, emphasized the importance of affordable internet access for societal participation.

In light of these findings, ACM is urging consumers to switch operators or renegotiate contracts upon expiration to save on monthly expenses, with potential savings of up to 250 euros per year for budget broadband plans. The authority is committed to ensuring that telecom operators comply with their legal obligations to inform consumers effectively.