Mobile subscriptions and internet in Norway: a practical guide

An overview of prepaid cards, subscriptions, fixed broadband and roaming in the EU/EEA for those who have just moved to Norway.

Hlib SuslovPublished:July 8, 2026Last updated:July 8, 20265 min read

Key takeaways

3 points · 30 sec

Prepaid cards are easiest at the start Without credit check or lock-in period, a prepaid card is often the fastest option right after you have moved to Norway, while a fixed subscription is usually worth it once you have a d-number or personal number and BankID in place.
Roaming in EU/EEA usually doesn't cost extra Norwegian subscriptions follow the EU's rules on "roaming as at home", so mobile data, calls and SMS can normally be used in EU and EEA countries at the same price as at home, while countries outside the EU/EEA have separate prices.
Check the lock-in period before you sign A lock-in period of up to 12 months is common with a subsidized phone, but a subscription without a lock-in period gives you more freedom to switch provider when you find a better offer.

Newcomers to Norway need BankID or a d-number to sign up for a mobile subscription, can choose between prepaid cards and fixed subscriptions, and should compare prices before committing to a provider.

Prepaid card or subscription – what suits you?

When you want to get a mobile phone in Norway, you have two main choices: prepaid card or subscription. With a prepaid card, you load money yourself, and you only use what you have paid for. There is no credit check and no lock-in period, so this is often the easiest choice right after you have moved to Norway, before you have a fixed income or Norwegian bank account. The downside is that the price per minute, SMS and megabyte can be higher than with a subscription.

With a subscription, you pay a fixed amount each month, usually with automatic debit from your bank account. You then usually get more data, cheaper calls and better overview of fixed expenses. Most people who live in Norway long-term therefore choose a subscription when they have the necessary paperwork in place. Some providers also let you start with a prepaid card and later switch to a subscription with the same company, without having to change your phone number.

To order a fixed subscription, you usually need to identify yourself with a passport, national ID card or driver's license, or confirm your identity electronically with BankID. If you don't have a Norwegian personal number yet, you can read more about the difference between personal number and d-number, since a d-number in many cases is sufficient to sign up for a subscription.

Most providers also conduct a simple credit check before you get a regular subscription with monthly invoicing. If you don't have a residence history in Norway or don't pass the credit check, a prepaid card or prepaid subscription can be a good alternative to start with. Many get BankID at the same time as they open a bank account, so it can be wise to open a bank account in Norway early in the process.

The largest providers and price level

In Norway, there are three companies that own their own mobile network: Telenor, Telia and Ice. In addition, there are many smaller companies, such as Talkmore, Chilimobil, MyCall, OneCall and PlussMobil, which rent network capacity from the large ones and often offer lower prices for the same coverage. It is worth checking which network a provider uses, since coverage can vary from place to place, especially outside the major cities. Coverage maps from the different network operators can help you see how well the mobile network works where you live and work, before you decide.

The price varies greatly depending on data volume and lock-in period. Simple subscriptions with limited data usually cost less than 200 kroner per month, while subscriptions with plenty or unlimited data often cost between 300 and 500 kroner per month. Prepaid cards can be cheaper if you use your phone little, but more expensive per unit of data if you use it a lot.

Data and roaming in the EU and EEA

Norway is part of the EEA cooperation, and that means Norwegian mobile subscriptions generally follow the EU's rules on "roaming as at home". When you travel to a country in the EU or EEA, you can normally use data, call and send SMS from your subscription without extra charge, in the same way as in Norway, as long as you stay more in Norway than abroad over time. Outside the EU and EEA, for example in the United Kingdom after the Brexit transition or countries outside Europe, separate and often higher prices apply, so check the terms with your provider before you travel.

Fixed internet at home: fiber or mobile broadband

At home you usually need a separate internet solution in addition to your mobile subscription. The most common options are fiber broadband and mobile broadband. Fiber provides a stable and fast connection through cable to your home and works well for multiple users and streaming at the same time, but requires that fiber has been installed to the building where you live. Mobile broadband uses the mobile network and a router, and is often faster to get going since it doesn't require cabling, but the speed can vary with coverage and load on the network. If you are moving into a new home, it is wise to order fiber early, since installation sometimes takes several weeks from order to connection.

The price for fiber broadband depends on speed and provider, and a typical private subscription without a TV package typically costs somewhere between 400 and 800 kroner per month. Mobile broadband can be cheaper initially, but often has a data limit that makes it less favorable for households with high consumption.

How to compare and switch providers

It is wise to compare several providers before you decide, for both mobile and fixed internet. Look at the price per month, including data volume, any setup cost and what the price will be after any promotional period. Switching subscriptions is usually easy: you order from the new provider and indicate that you want to keep your number, then the new provider handles the transfer from the old one. You normally don't need to cancel the old subscription yourself. Also remember to check if your phone supports eSIM, since many new subscriptions can be activated digitally without you having to wait for a physical SIM card in the mail.

Choosing the right subscription is part of having a good overview of your fixed expenses. You can find more tips on budget and fixed costs in the article on personal economy in Norway.

Avoid lock-in periods you don't need

Many subscriptions, especially those with subsidized mobile phones, have lock-in periods, usually up to twelve months. As long as you are locked in, you usually have to pay a termination fee to end the contract early. If you don't need a new phone, it can be worth choosing a subscription without a lock-in period, as it usually gives you the freedom to switch anytime without extra cost. If you buy the phone separately, the total price is often lower than with a subsidized subscription.

When buying online or by phone, you usually have 14 days right of withdrawal, so you can change your mind shortly after placing an order. Always check the terms carefully before signing, especially the points about lock-in period, notice period and what happens to the price after any promotional period.

New to Norway and unsure about several practical everyday topics? Register for free and get access to practice questions and guides to help you get started faster.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Norwegian personal number to get a mobile subscription?

No, in most cases a d-number is sufficient, along with valid identification such as a passport or national ID card. Some providers also require BankID for quick electronic identification.

What is the difference between a prepaid card and a fixed subscription?

With a prepaid card, you pay upfront and only use what you have loaded, with no credit check or lock-in period. With a fixed subscription, you pay a fixed amount each month, usually with automatic debit, and often get more data and lower price per unit.

Does it cost extra to use mobile data when I travel in the EU or EEA?

As a general rule, no. Norway follows the EU's rules on "roaming as at home", so you can normally use data, call and send SMS in EU and EEA countries without extra charge, provided that you stay more in Norway than abroad over time. Outside the EU/EEA, separate prices apply.

What length of lock-in period can I get on a mobile subscription?

Providers can set a lock-in period of up to 12 months if you receive a financial benefit in return, for example a subsidized phone. Longer lock-in periods than this are not common for private consumers.

Do I keep my phone number when I switch provider?

Yes. You order a subscription from the new provider and indicate that you want to keep your number, then the new provider arranges the transfer from the old provider within a short time.