The success of the pioneer Tchibo late 2004[3] (in a 50-50 cooperation with O2[4]) and Simyo's entry into the German mobile telephony market in early 2005 were followed by several similar offers from other low-cost providers around mid-2005 resulting in a general price decline in the German mobile market.

[8] Simyo belongs to the Dutch telecommunications group KPN, after acquisition of the remainder of E-Plus on March 14.

KPN lost control of the German Simyo operations in 2014 when it sold E-Plus to Telefonica,[11] although it retained a financial investment in Telefónica Germany.

[12] Simyo bases its business strategy on "Self-management via the Internet", using a model similar to that originally made popular by online banks.

This business structure permits considerable cost savings, which the operator passes on in its rates.