Netherlands, 30 April - In the annual mass Lintjesregen (literally "rain of decorations" or Honour's Roll ) on the occasion of Queen’s Day, Kees Rovers and Henri Smits were appointed  "Ridder in de Orde van Oranje Nassau" - or Knights in the Order of Orange-Nassau. This prestigious honour was awarded to both men in recognition for their outstanding services in the social housing, business and IT world and in particular their co-founding of OnsNet Nuenen; Henri Smits is the director of the local housing association, Helpt Elkander, and Kees Rovers is the CEO of Close the Gap – the management team responsible for Ons Net Nuenen.

Knights Henri Smits & Kees Rovers

OnsNet is a community owned high-speed fibre network that enables truly next generation services and access. Approximately 7,500 houses were connected in 3 months time establishing a penetration of 97% in its first year of operation. OnsNet has received global recognition and communities around the world are attempting to replicate the model.

In the Netherlands Queen’s Day is celebrated on April 30th. It has grown to become the most popular and festive day of the year.

A video interview with Kees Rovers talking about OnsNet and co-operative models for broadband can be seen in our Case Studies section.