Basics[]
Norway has three mobile networks:
- Telenor
- Telia (formerly NetCom), now merged with Tele2 (by Network Norway) after being acquired by Telia
- [ice.net (4G/LTE and 5G, no prepaid, free national roaming on Telia outside of its own network)]
Telenor is still market leader closely followed by Telia that has taken over third-ranked Tele2 in 2015. The Telia and Tele2 networks are now merged and roam through national network sharing. 2G is on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G on 900 and 2100 MHz and 4G/LTE started on 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz (Bands 1, 7, 20) on all operators. Coverage is excellent even in outlying areas and myCall already offers 5G for prepaid.
A third provider sold under the brand of ice.net run by Access Industries offers mobile broadband based on 4G/LTE on 450, 800 and 1800 MHz and 5G with a pretty large footprint all over the country, and since 2015 also offers regular mobile postpaid plans with free national roaming on Telia outside its own mobile network. But both are limited to contract subscribers and not offered on prepaid. That's why it remains inaccessible to visitors and is not covered here any further.
In the oil fields of the North Sea between Norway and the UK the private operator tampnet covers this area by 4G/LTE networks.
Usage and pricing comparison with the rest of the world[]
Like most things in Norway, data is among the most expensive for its kind in the world with 2 GB packages costing as high as 250 kr. The mobile data usage of Norwegian SIM cards was 10.4 GB per capita and month in 2022, the lowest in the Nordic and Baltic countries (source). Furthermore, UK internet comparison site cable.co.uk has ranked Norway as 205th out of 237 countries/territories in terms of mobile data affordability with data costing on average 43.63 NOK (approximately US$4.07) per GB (July 2023). This also makes Norway the second most expensive country in Western Europe for mobile data, with only Switzerland being more expensive in this regard. (source)
If you have a mobile phone plan from another EU/EEA country or have an international SIM card that covers Europe (e.g. Airalo, Holafly, GoMoWorld), you may consider using that to roam instead (see European Union article). Otherwise, check the International eSIMs for Norway section below for more cost-effective plans for those who live outside the EU.
Regulations[]
Although Norway is not part of the EU, it's part of the wider European Economic Area (EEA), and as such roaming rates are regulated like all over the EU. Foreigners have to buy the starter pack in a shop showing their photo ID for registration. The operators and most of the MVNOs are geared to contract customers, so there is only a rather limited choice of prepaid SIM cards, which are locally called Kontantkort.
SIM cards in Norway need to be registered on your real name. Locals have various choices of venues at which to register, but visitors are advised to go to a branded store or sales point of the provider to do the registration, showing their passport or EU/EEA national identity card. A branded store will be quicker, generally processing registration instantly, while a third-party store has to prepare your information and send it to the operator to process separately, resulting in a delay. If you need service straight away, it's quicker to go to a provider's store.
Coverage[]
Many public places and public transport facilities are covered by WiFi. For instance, the shuttle bus and airport train from Oslo airport to the city centre has free WiFi. Norwegian airline provides free WiFi, many ferries and metro trains as well. So you might not need mobile internet when entering the country.
Populated areas have very good mobile network coverage, even at some remote mountains areas or fjords. The Svalbard archipelago (including its main island Spitsbergen) is covered by all Norwegian providers as well.
3G shut down[]
The Norwegian providers have shut down their 3G networks in Norway in 2020/21 and plan to re-used the spectrum for their 4G/LTE and 5G networks. From 2021 Norway is on 2G, 4G/LTE and 5G only.
Telenor[]
Telenor is market leader in Norway with more than 50% of the national users on its network. It has a good coverage and speeds throughout the country: Telenor Coverage map. 4G/LTE is available for prepaid. Telenor has switched off its 3G network between 2019 and 2021. For data you need a 4G device now on B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz) or B20 (800 MHz).
Availability[]
Their prepaid SIM is called Telenor Kontant. It's sold at Telenor shops (store locator), for 199 NOK including 50 NOK of credit, as well as many convenience stores like Narvesen, 7-Eleven, Deli de Luca, Mix and electronic retailers, where the price can be as low as NOK 49 including NOK 50 of credit (e.g. at the 7-Eleven shop next door to the MyCall shop in Oslo).
For travellers entering through Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), there is a cellphone retailer (shop sign: "Mobiles") in the main terminal, next to the rental car counter. Travellers need to provide their passports and the address of your country and Norway (hotel). Many shop attendants in convenience stores won't do the registration. Instead, better drop by the mobile or electronic dedicated stores or a Telenor store to purchase the SIM card. Mini/micro/nano SIM cards are available for 200 NOK start-up with 50 NOK credit. Mini SIM card is pre-cut into micro/nano size.
To check your account balance, send SMS with text SALDO to number 2525. You can also call the service number 91500500 (Norwegian only).
You can try to top-up using an EU-issued credit card on Telenor website, but they accept mainly Scandinavian credit or debit cards only.
Instead, vouchers can be bought at any convenience store in the country. Additional credit can be topped up with the minimum of 200 NOK. The vouchers are in Norwegian language only but the top-up menu can be switched to English. If you buy the credits at places like 7-Eleven, they will print out a "Ladekode" (top-up code) with instructions in Norwegian. You can follow instructions (ask the cashier of 7-Eleven if you can't read Norwegian, but it's not their duty to help you). You can top-up credit by the calling phone given in the instruction. But this phone line doesn't have an English menu, so you might need another help from the staff. You enter the "Ladekode" and that's it. You might need to reboot the phone to update carrier database. if you use an iPhone.
Your credit will be valid for 15 month after any recharge. After 15 months you will have 2 more months to recharge so that your prepaid card will not be blocked. If this does not happen, the prepaid card will be canceled and you will have to buy a new one. They also block the prepaid card after 12 months if they have not recorded any traffic on it, either inbound or outbound. Any loaded credit will be lost.
Check your balance by texting 'SALDO' to 2525, through their app or on your online profile.
Default data rate[]
The SIM card has a flat rate of max. 20 NOK per day for data. If you use more you won't get billed more than 20 kr, but speed will be reduced from max. 300 Mbps to 128 Kbps, when you exceed 1 GB download data per month. No packages are offered.
EU roaming[]
Roam like at home in the EU/EEA including the UK is included without surcharges. Prepaid customers roaming in Europe only pay domestic Norwegian prices.
More info[]
- Tethering is allowed
- APN: telenor
- Website in Norwegian only: https://www.telenor.no/privat/mobil/mobilabonnement/kontantkort/
Telia (formerly NetCom)[]
Telia, formerly called NetCom is Norway's runner up, owned by Swedish Telia Group. After the merger with Tele2, their coverage has surpassed even Telenor's according to latest network tests in 2021: NetCom coverage map, but Telenor won the latest speed tests. If you're travelling through the Trollstigen pass, Telia (and MVNOs using its network) is currently the only provider that has coverage in that area, since installing a new eco-friendly base station there in June 2021.
3G has been phased out and Telia has 2G, 4G/LTE and 5G networks now. They provide 4G/LTE now without speed caps, covering 99% of population already in 2016. 5G is not yet available for prepaid, only on myCall (see below).
Note that all information published by Telia is in Norwegian, both printed and online. Even the voice prompts when attempting to recharge a PAYG number are in Norwegian only.
Availability []
Their prepaid product is called Telia Mobil Kontant. It's sold for 99 kr at Telia stores (store locator), 29 kr (including 30 kr credit) at convenience stores, Narvesen, 7-Eleven, Deli de Luca, Mix and many electronic retailers. In promotions and online the starter is sometimes given out for free. It comes with 250 MB and free voice and text for 2 weeks.
Recharging balance on the Telia website only works with a Nordic Credit Card. Instead, vouchers can be bought at convenience stores. The vouchers are in Norwegian only, but the recharge menu can be changed to English at the bottom of the page.
Check your account balance by dialling *150#.
Default data rate[]
Without having activated a package or for overuse these rules are applied. 10 kr per MB up to 100 MB per day. Then internet is blocked, but you can add another 100 MB for the day by texting "DATA PÅFYLL" to 1989. Max. speed is 220 Mbit/s in download and 35 Mbit/s in upload.
Data feature packages[]
You can add these combo packages to SMART Kontant valid for 31 days, which all include up to 20,000 domestic minutes, SMS, or MMS:
- 3 GB: NOK 269
- 7 GB: NOK 369
- 12 GB: NOK 429
- 20 GB: NOK 479
- 50 GB: NOK 649
As well as data-only packages without voice, SMS, or MMS included:
- 1 GB: NOK 119
- 5 GB: NOK 219
- 10 GB: NOK 319
Purchase is done through their refill app.
EU roaming[]
Roam like at home in the EU/EEA, UK and Switzerland is included in all plans and roaming is without surcharges. This includes the unlimited music streaming option.
More info[]
- Tethering: allowed
- APN: internet.netcom.no
- Website in Norwegian: https://www.telia.no/mobilabonnement/kontantkort/
MyCall (formely Lebara Norway)[]
new logo
In 2012 Tele2 bought the Norwegian branch of Lebara and sells their prepaid cards through the MyCall brand nowadays. In 2015 Tele2 was acquired by Telia and their networks have been merged. For coverage, check Telia (see above) on 2G, 4G/LTE and now new on 5G. With Telia's wide 5G network, it's the fastest prepaid SIM in Norway at the moment.
Availability []
The SIM called Kontantkort is available for NOK 49 online or discounted to NOK 25 (including NOK 25 credit) at a lot of retailers, which you can find here. If you do not have a Norwegian personal ID number, you will need to register and activate at a physical point of purchase. A NOK 0.99 start-up fee can be charged.
old logo
Since at least early 2018, MyCall's only physical shop (Brugata 1, 0186 Oslo), gives out SIM cards, branded as costing NOK 49, for free including NOK 25 of credit. You just need to show an ID card and give a postal address. The process takes under two minutes.
Top-ups can be bought in shops or you can top-up (minimum NOK 50) on their website using international credit cards.
Sending SMS with the code "SALDO" to 06160 to check account balance and "EXPIRY" to 06160 to check expiration of active packages. Sim card stays active for 12 months after last activity. Otherwise the line will become in dormancy mode but can be reactivated within 180days.
Data feature packages[]
Default data rate is NOK 2.49 per MB. Max. speed is 300 Mbit/s; expected speed is 100 Mbit/s. Packages can be bought online from your credit or by texting the activation code to 06160. Their new tariff line is called MyCall EU+ and includes calls to Norway, EU, UK, USA and Canada, unlimited worldwide SMS and a data quota valid for one month that rolls over to the next month:
| Data | dom. Voice | IDD calls | domestic global SMS | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 MB | 100 mins | 50 mins | 100 SMS | 100 NOK | EU100MB |
| 500 MB | unlimited | 100 mins | unlimited | 225 NOK | EU500MB |
| unlimited | 250 NOK | EU500MBFRI | |||
| 1 GB | 100 mins | 250 NOK | EU 1 | ||
| unlimited | 275 NOK | EU1FRI | |||
| 3 GB | 300 NOK | EU3 | |||
| 4 GB | 325 NOK | EU4 | |||
| 6 GB | 375 NOK | EU5 | |||
| 8 GB | 400 NOK | EU8 | |||
| 12 GB | 475 NOK | EU12 | |||
| 16 GB | 500 NOK | EU16 | |||
| 30 GB | 600 NOK | EU30 |
Extra data upgrades are available for 25 NOK. For activation text code to 06160.
For data-only they offer these data packages for one month:
| Data | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 79 NOK | 1GB |
| 3 GB | 149 NOK | 3GB |
| 6 GB | 219 NOK | 6GB |
| 10 GB | 299 NOK | 10GB |
For activation text code to 06160.
Unused data is rolled over to the next month as long as you buy another package. All packages are auto-renewed as long as there is credit. To stop auto-renewal text 'STOPMB' to 06160.
EU roaming[]
All package allowances are valid in the EU/EEA including UK too for roaming without extra fees.
More info[]
- Tethering is allowed
- APN: internet
- Website in English: https://en.mycall.no/kontantkort
Chilimobil[]
new logo
Chilimobil is a MVNO that launched on the Telenor network in 2012. In 2017 it has moved over to Telia network (see above) in 2G and 4G/LTE.
Availablility[]
The prepaid SIM is simply called "Kontantkort" and available at Coop, ICA, Rimi, MIX, Narvesen, 7-Eleven, where you can recharge too. SIM card starter pack costs 29 kr with 15 kr credit included. If you don't have a Norwegian passport, insist that your ID data are to be collected at the point of purchase for activation, as you will not be able to do it online without a Norwegian personnummer.
old logo
You can top-up in more than 3000 outlets in the country. Check balance by texting 'SALDO' to 2595.
Data options[]
Their default data rate is 0.99 NOK per MB. This is capped at 15 NOK per day with a maximum of 300 MB per day. The max. speed is at 3 Mbps. They also offer the following packages:
- 1 GB: 79 NOK
- 3 GB: 149 NOK
- 6 GB: 219 NOK
- 10 GB: 299 NOK
Activate by texting the data amount without spaces to 2258. When you run out of data and do not activate another package, you return the default rate.
EU roaming[]
The same rate is valid for roaming in the EU/EEA including the UK too without extra fees.
More info[]
- APN: netcom
- Website in Norwegian: http://www.chilimobil.no/kontantkort/
Lyca mobile[]
new logo
UK-based MVNO Lycamobile now rather called Lyca mobile is operating in Norway too. It uses the network of Telia in 2G and 4G/LTE at max speed 16 Mbit/s only.
Availability[]
As usual the SIM card is free with Lyca mobile at their retailers, but you have to make a top-up right away. Top up vouchers are available for 50 NOK, 100 NOK or 200 NOK at their outlets or online. Check balance by *150#.
old logo
Data feature packages[]
Default rate for data, if no package is activated or for overuse is 0.99 kr per MB. Max. download speed is at only 16 Mbit/s.
The following monthly data bundles are available, valid for 30 days:
| Data | EU cap | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 GB | all | 199 NOK | *139*3018# |
| 15 GB | all | 299 NOK | *139*3005# |
| 30 GB | 25.5 GB | 399 NOK | *139*3006# |
| 50 GB | 32 GB | 499 NOK (*) | *139*3007# |
(*) = price is reduced to 249.50 NOK for the first package after subscription.
They also offer so-called 'smart' bundles with data, domestic SMS and some call minutes to Norway and IDD to about 12 other European countries valid for 30 days:
| Data | Voice | SMS | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 MB | 100 mins | 100 | 99 NOK | *139*1001# |
| 2 GB | 1000 mins | 1000 | 199 NOK (*) | *139*1002# |
| 3 GB | unlimited | unlimited | 269 NOK | *139*6269# |
| 6 GB | unlimited | unlimited | 299 NOK (*) | *139*1003# |
| 15 GB | unlimited | unlimited | 399 NOK (*) | *139*1004# |
| 30 GB | unlimited | unlimited | 499 NOK (*) | *139*1005# |
(*) = these bundles are discounted by up to 50% for their first 6 months of activation only
Bundles will automatically renew, if there is credit. To stop dial *190# before expiry. To check data volume, dial *137#. Max speed is at 16 Mbit/s. All volumes are valid in EU/EEA roaming too.
EU roaming[]
Lyca Mobile in Norway includes EU/EEA + UK roaming in all data packages up to the specified limit in the tables. If overused, they will charge 0.99 NOK per MB on top or as long as you have still domestic data in your bundle at 0.0401 NOK per MB.
More info[]
- Tethering is blocked. If you plan using tethering for connecting other devices use a different operator.
- APN: data.lyca-mobile.no
- Username: lmno Password: plus
- Website in English (note the unusual spelling of Lyca Mobile online): http://www.lyca-mobile.no/en/
International eSIMs for Norway[]
Given that Norway's cost per GB of data is higher than the global median international eSIMs can be a popular, more cost-effective alternative for those who do not live in the European Union. However, you need to ensure your device is eSIM compatible. Please see the article eSIM for more info on the eSIM in general. This section focuses on the popular international eSIM providers that offer national plans for Norway- these plans cannot be used for the EU/EEA. They do not require real-name registration in the way that obtaining SIM cards from national carriers do and can be set-up before arrival in Norway.
Airalo[]
| Price(in US$) | Data(in GB) | Duration(in days) | Network | 5G? | Calls | SMS | Effective cost(in US$ per GB*) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.50 | 1 | 7 | Telenor | ❌ | 4.50 | ||
| 7.00 | 2 | 15 | 3.50 | ||||
| 9.50 | 3 | 30 | 3.17 | ||||
| 13.00 | 5 | 2.60 | |||||
| 21.00 | 10 | 2.10 | |||||
| 32.00 | 20 | 1.60 | |||||
Ubigi[]
| Price(in US$) | Data(in GB) | Duration(in days) | Network | 5G? | Calls | SMS | Effective cost(in US$ per GB*) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.00 | 3 | 15 | Telia | ✔ | ❌ | 2.33 | |
| 15.00 | 10 | 30 | 1.50 | ||||
Holafly[]
Holafly offers unlimited internet for Norway, although local networks may impose a fair use policy data of 3 GB per day, after which data will be throttled until the next day in the plan.
| Price(in US$) | Duration(in days) | 5G? | Calls(in minutes) | SMS | Effective cost(in US$ per GB*) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 5 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | 1.27 |
| 27 | 7 | 1.29 | |||
| 34 | 10 | 1.13 | |||
| 47 | 15 | 1.04 | |||
| 54 | 20 | 0.90 | |||
| 64 | 30 | 0.71 | |||
| 84 | 60 | 0.47 | |||
| 99 | 90 | 0.37 |
*based on a 3GB per day expected fair use policy