(Telecompaper) Dutch independent MVNOs broadened their market share to 16.5 percent, or 3.35 million customers, in the six months to end March, from 16.0 percent six months earlier, according to the latest report by Telecompaper. The total number of Dutch mobile customers using a virtual operator rose 1.9 percent to 8.1 million. MVNOs now hold 39.5 percent of the Dutch mobile market. Around 4.7 million customers (58.4%) use virtual brands (co-) owned by a mobile network operator. There are now 66 MVNOs on the Dutch market, including 52 independent operators and 14 (co-) owned companies. In the past year, five brands disappeared and six brands made their entrance onto the market. The Dutch national mobile market remains quite saturated, so growth has to come from churn at other competitors, by finding an untapped niche or by introducing new, value-added services. Offering just a 'me-too' service is not a suitable strategy in the current climate, particularly for independent MVNOs that do not have as deep pockets as the MNOs. Regulation is also having an impact on many MVNOs. Regulation such as the proposed decoupling of roaming by July 2014 between national traffic and international roaming, could open up opportunities for MVNOs and MVNEs. The regulation could also lead to complications as MVNOs will have to provide this option for their customers as well.