The Netherlands’ largest pension fund ABP has developed its partnership with KPN to invest in the country’s mobile network.

ABP stated that it and KPN would seek to strengthen the Dutch mobile network through further collaboration while achieving attractive returns.

The pension fund noted that space was becoming sparce and it was becoming increasingly difficult for providers to establish new installation points for, for example, transition towers and antenna equipment.

Furthermore, replacing existing locations when lease contracts expire can be “complex” and, by transferring 3,800 installation points a new company, ABP and KPN aim to ensure that Dutch people can continue to use the mobile network everywhere.

The transmission towers and roof locations were previously owned by KPN, NOVEC and Open Tower Company (owned by TenneT and ABP).

Following approval by the supervisor, these will be transferred to a new company.

KPN and ABP have been building the digital infrastructure of the Netherlands by working together on the rollout of fibre optic.

Commenting on the announcement, ABP chair, Harmen van Wijnen, said: “We like to invest in the Netherlands to stimulate economic growth and employment and to realise important infrastructure projects.

“Through this collaboration with KPN, we strengthen the Dutch mobile networks. At the same time, this investment provides an attractive return, making this collaboration important for our pension participants in several areas.

“In this way we are not only building a good pension but also good mobile and digital accessibility in our country.”

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