KPN invests over €5 billion in cyber security and the digitalization of the Netherlands

During its Strategy Update, KPN announced plans to invest more than €5 billion in fiber, 5G, cybersecurity, AI, and the digitalization of the Netherlands. With these investments through 2030, KPN aims to better protect businesses and consumers against cyber threats and further improve customer service. KPN is also raising its ambition to ultimately connect 85 percent of all Dutch households to fiber. The focus is on connecting and activating households to meet growing demand.

The Connect, Activate & Grow strategy, launched two years ago, is now at its halfway point. That’s why the telecom company today provided an update on the progress of its key objectives and ambitions for the coming years.

KPN raises fiber ambition and focuses on household connections

KPN is a leader in fiber rollout and already provides nearly 70 percent of Dutch households with a connection. Together with other providers, more than 90 percent of the Netherlands has fiber access. KPN is increasing its target from 80 percent (end of 2026) to 85 percent coverage in the Netherlands and extending the timeline to 2030. For remaining areas, KPN offers high-quality alternatives, supported by 5G applications.

The focus is shifting to actually connecting and activating customers to meet strong demand. Under the motto “Fewer orange sprouts, more green households,” KPN will install fiber connections in meter cupboards over the coming years, enabling more customers to use fiber internet. This network is not only faster and more stable but also more sustainable than the current copper network.

Investing in cybersecurity and digital resilience

Cybersecurity remains a top priority for KPN. CEO Joost Farwerck, also a member of the Cyber Security Council, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and knowledge institutions to keep the digital infrastructure secure and resilient.

KPN is investing hundreds of millions in network resilience and service reliability. This includes infrastructure redundancy, ethical hacking, specialized training, and regular updates to security policies.

To further strengthen the Netherlands’ digital resilience, KPN is working closely with partners and the government to build a sovereign cloud. In cooperation with its high-tech subsidiary NL-ix, KPN is launching innovative services for large companies and organizations. These services enable full control over data, infrastructure, and digital processes, including cloud solutions and applications. With DDoS Protection, attacks are detected and stopped in real time, ensuring mission-critical organizations in the Netherlands are better protected against online threats.

These joint efforts align with KPN’s broader strategy to make cybersecurity more accessible for everyone. Existing and new consumer customers will therefore receive KPN SuperVeilig by default—a combination of a malware filter and antivirus software that enhances online security. Early next year, customers will be able to view their personal security status in a dedicated security center within the MijnKPN app.

Entrepreneurs can also activate an additional security layer free of charge with their fixed services via the KPN network to better protect their business. KPN Extra Veilig Internet is a security service that protects all devices on the KPN network against cyberattacks such as viruses, ransomware, and malware. The service operates through a DNS and web filter that automatically blocks unsafe websites.

Digitalization as a driver of growth and sustainability

The Dutch digital infrastructure—fiber and mobile—is among the best in the world. With growing data traffic, driven by rapid AI adoption and the arrival of quantum technology, demand for fast, stable, and secure connections continues to rise. KPN is responding with ongoing investments in fiber, 5G, and IoT. AI and data applications also play a key role in modernizing services and operations.

#BetterInternet

Through its #BetterInternet mission, KPN continues to promote a safer, more social, and greener internet. Energy consumption has halved over the past ten years, while data traffic has increased 28-fold. Since 2011, KPN’s network has run entirely on green electricity. From 2027, around 60 percent of this electricity will come from sustainable, CO₂-free sources. By 2030, KPN’s vehicle fleet will be fully electric, and employees are encouraged to cycle to work with a reimbursement of €0.40 per kilometer.

Goals and financial insights

During the Strategy Update, KPN presented the progress of its Connect, Activate & Grow strategy and outlined actions and priorities for the coming years. All financial details and further explanations are available.