The Netherlands are gearing up for fixed internet with Gigabit speed. In 2020, Utrecht will be the first city to use this network. Streaming, downloading and uploading will happen approximately 5 times faster than current internet connections.

Utrecht will be the first Dutch city to gain access to the new superfast fixed Gigabit network of VodafoneZiggo, as of 2020. The news was revealed by CEO Jeroen Hoencamp during the opening ceremony of the company’s new central office, right next to train station Utrecht Central. The announcement was accompanied by a spectacular light show and a short performance by Utrecht-born DJ Fedde le Grand underneath the iconic giant roof of the station square.

As of 2020, VodafoneZiggo will offer the inhabitants of Utrecht access to its fixed Gigabit network. The Docsis 3.1 technology will be brought to their living rooms through the existing cable network. This technology enables superfast internet, more stable connections and improved security. The business world, public sector and health care institutions will also experience huge benefits. Because of the network stability, doctors will be able, for example, to plan virtual reality consultations with patients who are at home.

Internet usage among households, companies and consumers will continue to grow explosively in the years to come. Each year, usage increases by approximately 40 to 50%. For this, additional network capacity is needed. The new network will reach internet speeds of 5 Gigabit per second for downloading and 1 Gigabit per second for uploading. To compare, current speeds are between 150 and 200 Megabit per second.  

Jeroen Hoencamp explains: "VodafoneZiggo wants to offer a ‘network of the future’ as of 2020, in which mobile and fixed connections are converged more than ever. Films, videos, music and photographs can be downloaded, uploaded and streamed at record speeds; on average up to five times faster than nowadays."

Jan van Zanen, mayor of Utrecht, adds: "With the arrival of VodafoneZiggo and the rollout of this network of the future, we can bring the innovation of our digital infrastructure further to prosperity. By working together, new opportunities arise. Together we will take steps as to smart digital safety solutions on the street or accelerating and improving doctor-patient contacts. And of course, as municipality of Utrecht we are proud that such a prominent company chooses to build its central office in the most beautiful city of the Netherlands."

mannen lichtshow

‘Connections’ light show
The light show 'Connections' symbolizes VodafoneZiggo’s network of the future and the ambition to turn Utrecht into the first city with access to the Gigabit network, and thus, the fastest city in the Netherlands. The show was first performed during the opening ceremony. Fedde le Grand, born and raised in Utrecht, DJed his music, which had been specially composed for this event, during the premiere. The light show, developed by the creative team behind dance festivals Mysteryland and Tomorrowland, was staged on Stationsplein three times for five days. 

www.vodafoneziggo.nl/en/connections

Network of the future