Notice Period for Telecom Subscriptions in Rijswijk
As a resident of Rijswijk, the notice period for your telecom subscription is the time between your cancellation request and the end of your contract with a telecom provider. Under the Telecommunications Act, the standard notice period in the Netherlands—and thus in Rijswijk—is one month. This provides clarity and protects against unexpected bills. We explain what this entails, your rights, and the steps to handle it properly, including tips for local support via the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk.
Legal Rules on Notice Periods
The notice period for telecom subscriptions is governed by the Telecommunications Act (TA), Article 7.4. Since December 1, 2021, the maximum contract length is 24 months and the notice period is at most one month, offering greater consumer choice in Rijswijk and beyond. The Civil Code (CC) supplements this with Article 6:82 CC (contract duration) and 6:92 CC (termination). The ACM oversees compliance and sets rules; unfair penalties are invalid under Article 6:248(2) CC.
Overview of Notice Periods by Subscription Type
While one month is the legal standard, details vary by service. See this overview for subscribers in Rijswijk:
| Subscription Type | Notice Period | Min. Term | Extra Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 1 month | 1 month (post-promotion) | Often cancellable monthly after initial year. |
| Internet + TV (fixed) | 1 month | Max. 24 months | Early cancellation may incur installation costs. |
| Bundle (mobile + fixed) | 1 month | Max. 24 months | Usually requires cancelling the entire package. |
| Prepaid | Immediate | - | No commitment. |
Providers such as KPN, VodafoneZiggo, and T-Mobile apply this in their terms, in line with legislation.
Your Rights and Obligations upon Cancellation
Consumer Rights
- Maximum one-month notice period.
- Free cancellation via email, app, phone, or portal.
- No penalties for timely cancellation; otherwise, only proportionate costs.
- Number portability under the number portability scheme.
Provider Obligations
- Confirmation within one business day.
- No misleading information on notice periods.
- Refund of overpaid amounts.
Your Obligations
- Submit cancellation with your customer details, digitally or by mail.
- Pay any outstanding invoices.
- Return modem etc. to avoid fines.
Real-Life Cases for Rijswijk
Case 1: Mobile Subscription
Your Vodafone subscription ends on October 15. Cancel on October 1? The notice period runs until November 1, with payment due accordingly. Arrange number portability for your new deal.
Case 2: Internet with Relocation
After 12 months with KPN, moving within Rijswijk? Provider claims €200 penalty. Dispute it with the Telecom Disputes Committee or the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk: only actual costs (e.g., pro rata installation).
Case 3: Tacit Renewal
After 24 months, on a rolling basis? Cancellable monthly with one month's notice. Providers must inform you of this (Article 6:82(3) CC).
Step-by-Step Cancellation
- Check contract end date via app or customer service.
- Cancel via official channels.
- Request confirmation of end date.
- Initiate number portability 6 weeks in advance.
- Review final invoice.
ACM/ConsuWijzer model letters can help. In case of issues: the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk for free support.
FAQ
Can I cancel immediately?
No, except for prepaid. Otherwise, one month, unless the provider fails.
Provider ignores cancellation?
Send a registered letter, then contact ACM or the committee. Ultimately: Rijswijk District Court (Article 6:265 CC).
Penalty for early cancellation?
Only pro rata costs; check with the Legal Aid Office Rijswijk.
Bundle with energy?
Cancel telecom separately with one month's notice.
Tips for Residents of Rijswijk
- Keep proof: All emails and confirmations.
- Compare: Via Independer or Pricewise.
- Local advice: Municipality of Rijswijk or Legal Aid Office Rijswijk for moves/address changes.
- Rijswijk District Court: For formal disputes.