Notice Period for Telecom Subscriptions
The notice period for telecom subscriptions is the time between your cancellation and the end of your contract with a telecom provider. For residents of Amsterdam, as elsewhere in the Netherlands, the standard is one month under the Telecommunications Act. This provides clarity and protects against unexpected bills. In this article for Amsterdam residents, we explain your rights, with tips from local organizations such as the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.
Legal Basis of the Notice Period
The notice period for telecom subscriptions is set out in the Telecommunications Act (Tw), Article 7.4. Since December 1, 2021, the maximum contract duration is 24 months and the notice period is a maximum of one month. This allows Amsterdam residents to switch more flexibly. The Civil Code (BW) supplements this via Article 6:82 (duration of agreements) and 6:92 (cancellation). The ACM supervises providers. Unfair penalties are invalid under Article 6:248(2) BW. In case of disputes, you can go to the District Court of Amsterdam or the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.
Standard Notice Periods by Subscription Type
Legally, one month is the rule for telecom in Amsterdam, with minor variations per service. Overview:
| Subscription Type | Standard Notice Period | Minimum Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Subscription | 1 month | 1 month (after promotion) | Often cancellable monthly after first year. |
| Internet + TV (fixed) | 1 month | Max. 24 months | Sometimes installation costs on early cancellation. |
| Bundle (mobile + fixed) | 1 month | Max. 24 months | Cancel whole bundle, otherwise per component. |
| Prepaid | Immediate | - | No commitment. |
In Amsterdam, KPN, VodafoneZiggo and T-Mobile follow these rules in their terms and conditions.
Rights and Obligations upon Cancellation
Rights of the Amsterdam Consumer
- Maximum one-month notice period.
- Free cancellation via email, app or phone.
- No penalties within minimum duration; otherwise only pro rata.
- Number portability via ACM scheme.
Obligations of the Provider
- Confirmation within 1 business day.
- No false information about periods.
- Refund overpayments.
Your Obligations as an Amsterdam Resident
- Submit cancellation with customer number, digitally or by post.
- Settle outstanding payments.
- Return modem to avoid costs.
Practical Examples for Amsterdam
Example 1: Mobile Subscription
You have Vodafone until October 15. Cancel on October 1: ends November 1. Arrange number portability for your new provider.
Example 2: Internet with Penalty
Cancel KPN after 12 months due to a move in Amsterdam? Dispute €200 penalty at the Telecom Disputes Committee or Juridisch Loket Amsterdam: only actual costs such as pro rata installation.
Example 3: Extension
After 24 months, cancellable monthly with one month notice. Providers must inform you of this (Article 6:82(3) BW).
How to Cancel in Amsterdam?
- Check contract via app or customer service.
- Cancel via official channels.
- Request confirmation with date.
- Number portability 6 weeks in advance.
- Check invoice; if issue, contact Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.
Use ACM model letters or ConsuWijzer; visit the Municipality of Amsterdam for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possible to cancel immediately?
No, except prepaid. Otherwise one month, unless provider fails.
Provider ignores cancellation?
Send registered letter, then ACM or District Court of Amsterdam (Article 6:265 BW).
Payment on early cancellation?
Only pro rata. Check Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.
Bundle with energy?
Cancel telecom separately with one month notice.
Tips for Amsterdam Residents
- Document: Keep everything.
- Compare: Sites like Independer.
- Free advice at Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.