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The mobile virtual operators market in The Netherlands increased by 0.4 percent to 6.6 million during the first quarter of 2011, a new study reports.

The number of virtual-enabled customers represents some 32.8 percent of the mobile market in The Netherlands, according to a study by Telecompaper.

Some 56.4 percent of the mobile virtual operators market in The Netherlands – 3.7 million – are “operator-owned virtual co-brands,” the study said.

In addition, the independent MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) market saw almost 2.8 million SIMs (subscriber identity modules) or 13.7 percent of the nation’s mobile market, which is a reduction of 1.3 percent compared to the third quarter of 2010, Telecompaper adds.

In its analysis, Telecompaper said the market is “dominated by 11 virtual brands.”

Also, Telecompaper says that the mobile virtual market in The Netherlands continues to be “highly dynamic.” Regulations from the national government and the EU lead to a negative impact on independent MVNOs, Telecompaper said.

Telecompaper adds the current market is “saturated” but opportunities still exist.

“New players will have to differentiate themselves by offering real value-added services, and not just plain voice and SMS services, in order to survive,’’ Alejandra van de Roer, senior analyst at Telecompaper and co-author of the report, said in the firm’s report.

There were 56 active mobile virtual operators in The Netherlands during the close of the first quarter, the study said.

Hi and Telfort are at the top of the operator-owned brands, the study said.

Lebara and Lycamobile (News - Alert) lead the independent MVNO brands, the study adds.

And KPN leads in network operator usage, according to the study.

In addition, Vodafone and T-Mobile (News - Alert) increased their market share, with T-Mobile increasing more with the acquisition of Simpel and because of growth at Ben, the study said.

In other MVNO news from The Netherlands, TMCnet reports that Intercity Zakelijk, a Dutch MVNO for business customers in The Netherlands, will soon be able to offer new features and services. The operator has awarded Nokia Siemens Networks (News - Alert) a contract to design, implement and support its complete mobile core network, TMCnet adds.