For thirty years, we have been driven by the same belief: that we can make a difference by offering customers an exceptional experience, built on strong connectivity and digital services that evolve with their lives. From the very beginning, customers have been at the heart of everything we do. Our pioneering spirit has continuously propelled us forward, leading to a multi-brand group that responds to diverse needs, with one shared ambition: helping people stay ahead in a world that is changing faster than ever.
In this timeline, you’ll discover how that evolution took shape step by step and how Telenet group grew into what it is today.
Telenet takes its first steps in telephony and internet
On January 1, 1998, the Belgian telephony market was liberalized. Belgacom and Telenet signed an interconnection agreement, allowing customers to call each other regardless of their operator. Telenet launched its first telephony products: the Thuis-lijn, the Doelijn, and the Jong-lijn.
In spring 1998, Telenet expanded its offering with internet access via cable and dial-up connections under the Pandora brand.
Telenet also launched the “Telenet Thuis Tour,” traveling with a large yellow tent through 30 cities and municipalities in Flanders to introduce itself to residents, marking the start of sales in those regions.
Television becomes a core part of the offering
In 2002, Telenet expanded its offering with television following the acquisition of cable networks from mixed intermunicipal companies. Customers could now subscribe to analog television alongside internet and telephony.
That same year, Telenet introduced a new visual identity with its recognizable wink and launched Telenet Business as a separate identity.
Breakthrough of wireless internet
In 2004, the development of wireless internet accelerated. Telenet customers could opt for their own wireless network, “WiFi Home.” Telenet also operated 250 hotspots under the name Telenet Hotspot.
Telenet fully switches to digital
2005 became a landmark year for Telenet Holding NV. On September 3, digital TV was officially launched for all Belgians. In just one night, Telenet transitioned its entire offering from analog to digital—an impressive achievement.
Internet services also gained strong momentum, with the number of wireless internet users tripling within a year.
In October, Telenet went public on the Euronext stock exchange.
Entry into the BEL20
In March 2009, Telenet was included in the BEL20 index, joining the twenty leading stocks listed on Euronext Brussels. At the same time, options trading on Telenet Group Holding NV shares was launched in Brussels.
The digital revolution continues
A crucial year for Telenet: in February 2010, “Telenet Fibernet” was launched, a new generation of internet enabling speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
In December, Telenet made a major leap forward with “Yelo.” Families could not only watch live TV on multiple screens at home but also watch recordings on TV, smartphone, tablet, or computer—a revolution in the TV sector and an important step toward the future of television viewing.
King and Kong reshape the mobile offering
In July, Telenet shook up the Belgian mobile telecom market with the launch of two new mobile pricing plans. The operator simplified its offering to just two subscriptions: KING and KONG, focusing on simplicity and transparency. Both included more data, SMS messages, and call minutes than the average consumer used, at competitive prices. The slogan: “Mobile internet, texting, and calling without counting.”
New CEO
On March 5, CEO Duco Sickinghe announced his departure after more than ten years at the helm. He was succeeded by John Porter, who took leadership during a period of continued digitalization and growth.
Telenet upgrades its network to a Giga network
Under the project “De Grote Netwerf,” Telenet invested €500 million between 2014 and 2019 to become the first operator in Europe to upgrade its cable network in Flanders to a Giga network. Over five years, ten teams of 30 people worked daily to replace more than 2 million network components across every street in Flanders and Brussels. It was the most extensive network transformation in Telenet’s history.
Helemaal Mee Tour
Around 250 technicians were trained to carry out work on the coax network, with an additional hundred trained to assist customers during home installation check-ups. Through the “Helemaal Mee Tour” and strong on-the-ground presence, Telenet ensured customers could continue to enjoy its services optimally in the future.
Acquisition of BASE and SFR BeLux
Telenet announced the acquisition of BASE Company from KPN, gaining its own mobile network. This marked a key turning point and laid the foundation for Telenet group as a multi-brand organization.
Later that year, Telenet acquired SFR BeLux, expanding its cable network across large parts of Wallonia, parts of Luxembourg, and about two-thirds of Brussels. These acquisitions strengthened Telenet’s position in telecom and entertainment across Belgium.
TADAAM as a new brand within Telenet group
Following the BASE acquisition, Telenet expanded its multi-brand strategy with the launch of TADAAM. This new brand offers internet and television without a fixed cable connection, using mobile technology. It enabled Telenet to serve regions without cable networks, including parts of Wallonia.
Launch of Flemish streaming platform Streamz
On September 14, Streamz, a local streaming platform by DPG Media and Telenet, officially launched. It combines top series from DPG Media, SBS/Woestijnvis, and VRT, offering early access to new content and investing in original productions, complemented by films and exclusive international series, including HBO content.
Basic internet for vulnerable families
Telenet launched a pilot project offering basic internet for vulnerable households. The “Telenet Essential Internet” solution provides internet at a fixed rate of €5 per month for those with limited or no connectivity, in collaboration with social organizations.
Expansion into Luxembourg
Telenet group acquired the activities of Eltrona Interdiffusion in Luxembourg, marking its first full ownership of a telecom company outside Belgium.
Creation of Wyre and acquisition by Liberty Global
Wyre was established as a joint venture between Telenet group and Fluvius, focusing on fixed network infrastructure.
That same year, Telenet group became fully owned by Liberty Global and was delisted from the stock exchange.
Blossom and new services within the multi-brand group
Telenet launched Blossom, a new service for installing and activating smart charging solutions for employees. It also introduced “Telenet Check & Smile,” a digital feature in the MyTelenet app offering personalized advice based on data and predictive AI.
At the same time, the group expanded its multi-brand offering, with BASE adding fixed internet and TV services across Belgium, with additional focus on the south.
30 years of Telenet group
Telenet group celebrates its 30th anniversary. For three decades, the company has translated new technologies into tangible benefits for customers, with a strong focus on connectivity, entertainment, and digital services.
This pioneering spirit continues to guide the company in a rapidly changing world. Looking ahead, Telenet group strengthens partnerships, invests in digital and data-driven innovation, and continues to focus on strong customer experience, an open company culture, and sustainable growth—creating value for customers, employees, investors, and society.