When traveling to Norway, having a reliable mobile connection is essential to stay in touch with friends and family back home, look up maps and directions on the go, and make payments. However, as a tourist it can be difficult to choose from the various mobile operators in Norway. It’s important to consider factors like network coverage, cost, and convenience. Telenor and Telia are Norway’s biggest providers known for wide coverage across the country. If you’re on a budget, Ice is a cheaper alternative but their network may be more limited outside major cities. Check out this guide for more details!
Table of Contents
I. List of Mobile Operators in Norway
Main Mobile Operators in Norway
Telenor
Telenor is the largest operator in Norway, serving over 3 million customers. They have the widest 4G coverage across the country, including most rural areas. Telenor prepaid SIM cards for tourists start from $22, which includes a data package. This provides a reliable option for staying connected whether in cities or more remote destinations.
TeliaSonera
Telia is the second largest provider in Norway. Their 4G network covers all major cities and most populated regions. For travelers, Telia offers prepaid SIM cards that can be purchased for approximately $16. This includes a data package suitable for basic internet use like maps and messaging apps. While coverage may be slightly more limited than Telenor in very remote areas, Telia provides fast reliable service in most places tourists are likely to visit.
Ice
Ice is Norway’s main budget-friendly mobile virtual network operator. They operate on Telenor’s infrastructure but offer cheaper plans without long-term contracts required like the other providers. Prepaid Ice SIM cards start at approximately $11 and include a data package. Coverage is generally good in cities and major towns, but may be patchy in very rural areas off the beaten path. Ice provides a more affordable option for tourists on a budget who aren’t planning extensive travel off the main tourist routes.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Norway
In addition, there are some MVNO brands in Norway including:
- Talkmore – Runs on the Telenor network. Offers affordable prepaid and postpaid plans starting from around $18.90-55.23/month. SIM cards are free.
- Chilimobil – Also runs on the Telenor network. Plans start at around $9.50-38 per month for prepaid. SIM cards are free.
- OneCall – Uses the Telia network. Offers plans from $12-43 per month. SIM cards are free when you purchase a plan.
- PlussMobil – Runs on Telenor’s network. Plans range from $9.50-38 per month depending on data/call allowances. SIM cards are free when you purchase a refill or plan.
In general, Norway’s MVNOs provide competitive plans on Norway’s major networks for slightly lower prices than the MNOs themselves. They lease network access from the main carriers so offer similar coverage for lower prices. While data speeds may be slower during peak times, MVNOs are good options for cost-conscious users.
II. How to Choose the Best Mobile Networks in Norway
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a mobile network provider in Norway as a tourist, along with the best operators for each:
- Coverage: Check coverage maps to ensure service where you travel. Telenor and Telia have the most expansive 4G/LTE coverage in Norway, including remote areas. They are good options if you’ll be traveling around the entire country.
- Data needs: Consider how much data you realistically require each month. Many Norwegian providers now offer unlimited data plans.
- Calls/texts included – Check plan inclusions and costs for calling/texting Norway and back home. Unlimited plans are convenient but more expensive.
- Cost: Compare monthly plan costs and excess data rates across providers. Prepaid SIM cards are available from around 100 NOK and provide an affordable option for tourists. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) like Chili Mobil provides competitive prices and plans. They lease networks from the main carriers at a lower cost.
- Roaming: EU roaming is included on most plans now but check costs to destinations outside Europe you’ll visit. Telenor and Telia have good international roaming agreements throughout Europe.
- Ease of use – Consider easy SIM delivery and mobile-friendly websites in English. Telenor and Telia are straightforward for tourists.
III. Best Mobile Operators in Norway – Detailed Comparison
Choosing a mobile provider is an important decision for tourists visiting Norway. The three major network operators in Norway: Telenor, Telia, and Ice. Each offer their own mix of coverage, speeds, prices and features. A brief comparison of their key strengths can help you pick the best network fit for your Norway trip:
| Operator | Coverage & Speed | Price & Plans (USD) | English Support | Other Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telenor | Extensive 4G coverage across Norway with very fast speeds. Leaders in coverage. | Prepaid SIMs from $15-30. Postpaid plans from $30-50/month. Some unlimited data options. | Good English website and support. | Large network helps with roaming. Most international coverage. |
| Telia | Almost as expansive coverage as Telenor. Also offers very fast 4G speeds. | Similar prepaid SIM and postpaid plan prices to Telenor. May have slightly higher unlimited plans. | English website and support works well. | Excellent roaming agreements worldwide. |
| Ice | Has nationwide 4G coverage but speeds may be slightly lower. Smaller network. | Cheapest prepaid SIMs from $10. Postpaid plans start at $20/month. Limited data options. | Basic English info online. Customer service may involve Norwegian. | Budget-friendly options but smaller network size. |
In summary, while Ice provides the most budget-friendly options, Telenor and Telia are generally the best choice for tourists wanting the largest networks with widespread nationwide coverage and fast 4G speeds. For convenience and connectivity wherever you go in Norway, a prepaid SIM from one of these top providers is recommended.
IV. Where to Buy SIM Card from Norway Mobile Operators?
You can pickup Norway SIM cards directly from official mobile operator stores and retailers across Norway. Here are some options for where tourists can purchase prepaid SIM cards from the major mobile networks in Norway:
- Mobile stores: Larger towns and cities will have standalone branded stores for Telenor, Telia and Ice where you can shop plans and purchase SIMs.
- Online: SIMs and refill codes can be ordered from the carrier websites for delivery. Telenor and Telia ship worldwide. Ice delivers within Norway.
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Narvesen and Deli de Luca sell prepaid SIM options, though selection may be more limited than gas stations.
- Electronics stores: Mobile products and SIM cards available at chains like Elkjøp, Power and Proshop, especially in major urban areas.
So in any sizable Norwegian town, it is easy to find and obtain a prepaid SIM and start connecting right away with the best network coverage throughout your trip. Remember to have your passport ready when purchasing for mandatory identification and registration requirements. Also check roaming needs if traveling across Norway or other parts of Europe to ensure the SIM will work in your destinations.
Tips:
For saving time spent finding SIM cards and checking various plans available, consider purchasing a Norway tourist eSIM online before your trip. Just be sure to verify your phone model supports eSIM technology beforehand for a seamless connectivity solution while traveling.
V. Do Mobile Operators in Norway Offer eSIM for Tourists?
Purchasing an eSIM is a convenient option for travelers visiting Norway. All three major mobile network operators – Telenor, Telia, and Ice – offer eSIM plans tailored for international visitors on their websites. Plans can be bought before arrival, providing data-only connectivity upon landing in Norway.
While Telenor, Telia and Ice all provide digital SIM profiles tailored for tourists, their plans can be more expensive and limited in duration than what is available through NorwayeSIM.com. They provide flexible data-only plans that are valid for periods between 3 to 30 days, ensuring travelers have online connectivity covered for even longer trips.
Especially worth noting is that NorwayeSIM.com also offers eSIM plans that come bundled with a phone number. This allows travelers to make calls and send SMS within Norway and other EU countries without having to worry about high roaming fees.
Plans you may find interesting!
VI. FAQs
Do I need to show ID to buy a Norwegian SIM card?
Yes, you’ll need to show valid passport or Norwegian national ID card for mandatory registration when purchasing SIMs.
Can I use a Norwegian SIM across Europe?
Most Norwegian SIM cards include EU roaming for travel across Europe at no extra cost (with fair usage limits). Extra roaming data packages also available.
Which operator has the cheapest data plans in Norway?
MVNO brands like OneCall and Talkmore offer very competitively priced data plans leveraging parent network infrastructure. But check their coverage maps before buying.
Which operator is best for international roaming?
Telenor has the most extensive international roaming partnerships, allowing you to use your Norwegian number in over 100 countries without additional fees. Telia and Ice also have good roaming deals but cover slightly fewer countries. Be sure to check individual roaming policies and rates.
VII. Conclusion
With widespread connectivity, unlimited data plans and EU roaming inclusion, Norway offers versatile options whether visiting short or long term. Do your coverage research then compare monthly prices and plan inclusions that suit how you use your devices. Consider using Norway eSIM for the best travel!
