A Relic of the Bundle Era?
Cable television has long been a standard feature of Dutch households, but its role is rapidly changing in the age of on-demand streaming. For tenants, the cost of cable TV is often not a standalone decision but part of a larger package, typically bundled with an internet connection. The dominant providers, like Ziggo and KPN, heavily incentivize these 'all-in-one' (alles-in-1) packages, combining internet, television, and sometimes a fixed-line telephone service. While this can offer convenience and a potential discount, it can also mean that tenants end up paying for a vast array of traditional TV channels they never watch, simply to get the internet connection they need. The decision is no longer just about what you want to watch, but about navigating marketing bundles that may or may not represent good value for your actual media consumption habits.
The All-in-One Package
When a tenant signs up for internet, the provider will almost invariably push them towards a combined package. The sales pitch is compelling: get a discount and the simplicity of a single bill. These packages come in various tiers, offering different internet speeds and a progressively larger number of TV channels, including premium sports or movie packages. The skeptical tenant, however, should question the real value. Is the discount on the internet portion worth the extra cost for a TV subscription you won't use? Many people today rely entirely on services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube. For these 'cord-cutters', an 'internet-only' plan is the most logical choice. While providers are often reluctant to promote these plans, they do exist and can offer significant monthly savings. It requires a conscious effort to resist the upsell and insist on a plan that matches your actual needs.
The Mandatory Basic Connection
In some older apartment buildings, tenants may encounter a situation where they are forced to pay for a basic cable TV connection, whether they want it or not. This often happens when the entire building is served by a single master cable contract, managed by the Vereniging van Eigenaren (VvE), or Owner's Association. The cost for this basic signal (basissignaal) is then passed on to all residents—including tenants—as part of the monthly servicekosten (service charges). The argument is that the cable infrastructure is a collective part of the building. Even if you never plug a television into the wall socket and use only streaming services, you may still see a monthly charge for 'kabelaansluiting' or 'signaallevering' on your service charge statement. Challenging this charge is extremely difficult, as it's often framed as a non-negotiable part of living in the building. It's a frustrating relic of a time before the internet, where a collective TV antenna or cable feed was considered a standard, universal utility.
