Dutch people abroad follow home race in Zandvoort closely
KPN networks peak during Dutch F1 race
The F1 race in Zandvoort and Max Verstappen’s victory led to ecstasy on and around the track – and beyond. The KPN network benefited too. Throughout the F1 weekend there were peak moments on KPN’s fixed and mobile networks. Another striking fact was that the Netherlands’ “home race” was also watched by large numbers of Dutch people abroad. The mobile data traffic in other countries (roaming) doubled when the drivers got going on Sunday in Zandvoort.
Mobile data traffic in other countries (roaming):
Huge numbers of people in the Netherlands watched the race on the mobile network as well. Between 3 and 5 pm, KPN processed around 50% more data traffic on 4G and 5G than on a “normal” Sunday. The race was also watched by many people on the fixed network, via streaming and on TV.
KPN mobile data traffic:
No terabyte records were broken but, as usual, the KPN network followed the rhythm of the Grand Prix weekend. The effect of the race in Zandvoort was clearly visible on the KPN fixed network. The race was streamed by services such as Viaplay, but it also attracted large numbers of TV viewers as it was televised live by public service broadcasting as well. More than 2.1 million people tuned in to the TV program featuring the Grand Prix, according to a report issued by Stichting KijkOnderzoek, the provider of official viewing figures in the Netherlands.
Internet traffic on KPN fixed network:
Temporarily more mobile capacity in Zandvoort
People also made full use of the mobile network on and around the circuit in Zandvoort. KPN erected four extra mobile transmission masts temporarily for the 300,000+ fans who travelled to the seaside circuit. So despite the network congestion, extra capacity was available and it was still possible for people to make calls and use chat software, and to share the events on the track with friends and family.
State of the Network
In “State of the Network”, KPN publishes information on trends and topical issues that are reflected in the volume of internet traffic on the network of the Netherlands. See also previous publications, on topics such as roaming traffic in the winter sports season, the New Year celebrations, the impact of Covid-19 and lockdowns on working from home on the network.