Norway – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Norway, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Norwegian telephone numbers carry the country code +47, and the opening two digits of any given number traditionally indicated its geographic region. When calling Norway from another country, you simply dial your international exit code (usually 00 or +), add 47, and then enter the complete eight-digit local number. There are no leading zeros to omit — Norway does not use a trunk prefix the way many other countries do.

On 28 January 1993, Norway adopted a closed telephone numbering plan introducing eight-digit numbers that incorporate both the area code and subscriber number, with Oslo numbers beginning with ’22’. This structure means that regardless of whether you are calling across town or across the country, you must always dial all eight digits — there is no abbreviated local format.

Geographic number distinctions were abolished in January 2020, and Telenor completed the decommissioning of the country’s copper wire network at the end of 2022. Caller ID displays no longer show a region name; instead they show “Norway” or nothing at all. In practical terms, the old regional prefixes can no longer be relied upon to indicate where a caller is located. That said, certain number ranges continue to be associated with particular cities and regions, as illustrated in the table below.

These ranges are today assigned to VoIP services. Non-geographic numbers — including toll-free, voicemail, and premium-rate lines — begin with 8xx. Numbers in the range 02xxx–09xxx are non-geographic and billed at a standard landline rate. When dialling Norwegian non-geographic numbers from overseas, simply prefix them with +47 as usual. Norway’s international access code for outgoing calls is 00, followed by the relevant country code of the destination.

Emergency services are free to call from any phone, including mobile handsets with no SIM inserted: 110 for fire, 112 for police, and 113 for ambulance.

Who are the major landline providers in Norway, and how can you contact them?

The physical telecommunications network in Norway is predominantly owned by Telenor. If you select a different broadband provider, the underlying line may still be managed by Telenor, potentially resulting in additional fees — a standard and legally recognised practice. This mirrors the wholesale local loop arrangements found in many markets, where the incumbent operator owns the physical infrastructure and other providers lease access to it.

The growing ubiquity of mobile phones and the simultaneous erosion of landline usage reflect a striking shift in Norwegian communications habits. While fixed-voice subscriptions have dropped considerably over recent years, mobile penetration has climbed to approximately 112 subscriptions per 100 people at the last count. Demand for conventional fixed-line voice services has fallen sharply, though fixed broadband — frequently packaged with VoIP telephony — remains widely used.

The principal providers offering fixed-line or VoIP-based home telephone services in Norway include:

Lyse can supply phone service to customers who opt for a fibre optic line and modem-based internet connection. This is representative of how home telephone services function throughout Norway today — voice calls travel over a broadband connection rather than a dedicated copper line. With the copper network fully retired, every new fixed telephone connection is effectively a VoIP service delivered via fibre or cable broadband.

Pricing and plan details for fixed-line services differ considerably depending on whether you combine them with broadband and television packages. Always consult each provider’s official website for up-to-date tariffs, as these change frequently. The national telecoms regulator, Nasjonal kommunikasjonsmyndighet (Nkom), publishes guidance on consumer rights and the obligations providers must meet.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Norway, and how can you contact them?

Norway’s mobile market is served by three principal operators — Telenor, Telia, and Ice — along with a number of smaller MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that piggyback on the infrastructure of the main networks. As of 2023, Telenor held the largest share of mobile subscriptions in Norway at 42%, followed closely by Telia with just under 40%.

Telenor holds the distinction of being recognised as Norway’s best network overall, excelling in Reliability Experience, Consistent Quality, Download Speed Experience, and Coverage Experience — winning three of these categories outright and sharing the Reliability Experience award with Ice. For those relocating to rural or sparsely populated parts of Norway, Telenor’s coverage advantage is particularly significant.

Telia was the first to roll out nationwide 5G in Norway, and by December 2024 had achieved 99% coverage. The company is the outright winner of the 5G Coverage Experience award. It is an excellent choice for those settling in larger towns and cities who place a premium on 5G performance.

Ice is Norway’s leading budget-oriented mobile operator, running on Telenor’s infrastructure while offering more affordable plans with no long-term commitment required. Ice’s tariffs undercut those of its main rivals, with data plans ranging from approximately 179–299 NOK per month (as of 2024) and unlimited data plans from 399 NOK per month. Always visit ice.no to confirm the latest pricing.

Norway’s mobile infrastructure is genuinely impressive, with strong 5G reach extending into remote areas including fjord valleys and mountain terrain. In terms of overall quality, it is broadly comparable to that of the Netherlands or Switzerland — both renowned for dense, dependable coverage. Use the comparison tools at Prisjakt or the independent advice service at Forbrukerrådet to evaluate current plan prices across providers.

How do I get a landline connected in Norway?

Since Norway’s copper network was fully retired in 2022, every new “landline” connection is delivered as a Voice over IP (VoIP) service bundled with a broadband subscription. The process is generally straightforward, though installation timelines can vary. Here is a step-by-step guide to arranging a fixed home telephone connection:

1. Check what infrastructure is available at your address. Visit your chosen provider’s website (Telenor, Telia, Lyse, or another local operator) and enter your address to see which broadband technologies — fibre, cable, or fixed wireless — are available. VoIP phone service is typically bundled with a broadband plan.
2. Choose a broadband and phone bundle. Phone services are available alongside fibre optic connections and via standalone VoIP packages. Compare plans on the provider’s website or through Prisjakt, and select a package that includes a telephone line add-on if making voice calls matters to you.
3. Register or apply online. Most providers allow you to complete the full sign-up process digitally. You will typically need a Norwegian national identity number (fødselsnummer or D-number) to register online. If you wish to register via the internet with Telenor, you will require a Norwegian social security number.
4. Provide identity documents. Whether you apply online or in person, valid photo identification is required — a passport or national identity card. If you are a recent arrival who has not yet been assigned a fødselsnummer, contact the provider directly to explore alternative registration options.
5. Schedule a technician visit if required. If fibre has not yet been installed at your property, an engineer appointment will need to be arranged. For homes where fibre is already in place, self-installation of a router or modem is often possible, with activation happening almost immediately. Budget additional lead time if physical installation work is necessary.
6. Activate your VoIP handset. Once your broadband is live, plug a standard telephone handset into the phone port on your router or modem. Your provider will allocate you a telephone number, and in many cases you can select from a list of available numbers.

Whether you are a homeowner or a tenant does not fundamentally alter the process, but it is worth checking with your landlord whether a broadband or phone contract is already in place before committing to a new agreement. In some rental properties, broadband is included in the lease. Confirm current requirements and expected timelines directly with your chosen provider, or contact Nkom at nkom.no/en for regulatory guidance on your consumer rights.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Norway?

Norway’s mobile market caters to a wide range of needs, from long-term postpaid contracts to prepaid SIMs suited to short-stay visitors and new arrivals. Obtaining either type is generally uncomplicated, though postpaid plans typically demand more documentation than a prepaid card.

Obtaining a prepaid SIM card

Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased as soon as you arrive. The easiest approach is to buy one from a supermarket or convenience store — these are found throughout the country. They are also available at international airports such as Oslo Gardermoen immediately on arrival, as well as from provider retail outlets and electronics chains such as Elkjøp and Power.

To obtain a Norwegian SIM card, you must present identification — a passport is the standard requirement. This applies to both prepaid and contract SIMs and aligns with EU-influenced anti-fraud regulations. Unlike in some countries where prepaid SIMs can be bought without any identity check, Norwegian law mandates that all SIM registrations are verified against a valid identity document.

Signing up for a postpaid contract

If your stay in Norway is brief, a prepaid SIM card is the most practical choice. For those settling long-term, however, a monthly contract is likely to prove more economical over time — generally, longer contracts offer lower monthly rates and more favourable terms.

For a postpaid contract, providers will typically require: a valid passport or national identity document; a Norwegian fødselsnummer (national identity number) or D-number (a provisional identifier issued to foreign nationals who do not qualify for a full national number); and in some cases, proof of a Norwegian address. New arrivals who have not yet received a fødselsnummer may initially be limited to prepaid options — once registered with the Norwegian authorities and assigned either a D-number or fødselsnummer, they can generally switch to a postpaid contract.

Compared with procedures in many other countries, Norway’s sign-up process is relatively efficient. Credit checks do not involve lengthy delays — providers use the national identity number to assess eligibility swiftly. All three major networks and most MVNOs allow you to apply for a contract entirely online, with the SIM delivered by post. Check each provider’s official website for their specific documentation requirements, as these can vary between operators.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Norway?

Norway is an extensively digitised society, and the overwhelming majority of telephone bill payments are handled electronically. Paying in cash or in person at a service counter is uncommon and increasingly difficult to arrange. Familiarising yourself with the Norwegian payment ecosystem will help you manage your bills smoothly from the outset.

Standard payment methods include:

• AvtaleGiro (direct debit): The most widely used method. You authorise your bank to settle invoices automatically on the due date. This is set up through your Norwegian online banking account and functions in the same way as a direct debit mandate in other countries. Most Norwegian providers actively encourage customers to use this option.
• Online banking (nettbank): You log into your Norwegian bank’s online portal and pay bills manually using the KID number (Kundeidentifikasjonsnummer) printed on your invoice — equivalent to the reference numbers used in payment systems elsewhere.
• Vipps: Norway’s dominant mobile payment app, Vipps, is accepted by many providers for one-off payments. It is well worth downloading and registering for Vipps early in your stay, as it is used extensively across everyday transactions throughout Norway.
• eFaktura (electronic invoice): Many providers send bills directly to your online banking portal as an eFaktura, which you can approve and pay with a single click. You activate eFaktura by opting in through your bank’s online interface.
• Prepaid top-up: For prepaid mobile services, credit can be added online via the provider’s app, by buying top-up vouchers at convenience retailers such as Narvesen and 7-Eleven, or through Vipps.

Mobile bills in Norway are typically issued monthly. Fixed-line telephone bills were historically sent quarterly, though VoIP and bundled broadband packages are now almost universally billed on a monthly cycle. Late payment will usually trigger a reminder fee (purregebyr), and continued non-payment can result in suspension of service. Norwegian consumer protection legislation places limits on how providers may apply fees and handle disconnections — consult Forbrukerrådet (the Norwegian Consumer Council) if you consider a charge to be unreasonable.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Norway as a newcomer?

Roaming within the EEA

Many Norwegian mobile plans include data, calls, and SMS for use both within Norway and across the EU/EEA. As a member of the European Economic Area, Norway applies the EU roaming regulations that eliminated retail roaming surcharges for travel within EU and EEA member states. Holding a Norwegian SIM and travelling to EU countries generally allows you to use your plan’s data and calling allowances without additional charges, subject to fair-use thresholds. Always check the specific terms of your plan before travelling abroad.

Porting your existing number

Switching providers while keeping your number is a quick and simple process thanks to Norway’s efficient number portability system. To transfer a Norwegian number from one domestic operator to another, simply sign up with the new provider and request the port — the incoming provider manages the transfer on your behalf. The process typically takes one to three working days. Porting a foreign number onto a Norwegian network is generally not possible; you will need a new Norwegian number, and if you wish to retain your overseas number, you can keep that SIM active separately or arrange call forwarding to your Norwegian line.

eSIM availability

All three principal mobile network operators — Telenor, Telia, and Ice — offer eSIM plans through their websites, including options aimed at international arrivals. eSIM is supported on most contemporary smartphones and lets you activate a Norwegian number without needing a physical SIM card. This is especially convenient if you want connectivity from the moment you land. Ensure your handset is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before placing an order.

Coverage in rural and remote areas

Telenor and Telia are Norway’s two largest operators and are known for extensive national coverage. If cost is a priority, Ice offers a cheaper alternative, though its network reach can be more limited outside major urban centres. Norway’s fjords, mountain ranges, and vast wilderness mean that no provider achieves complete geographic coverage, but the main population centres, primary roads, and popular tourist routes are generally very well served. If you anticipate spending significant time in remote areas — for hiking, cabin stays, or work purposes — Telenor’s network typically offers the strongest rural reach.

Quality and reliability

In mobile internet performance, Norway ranks 16th globally with a download speed of 172.48 Mbit/s. In everyday use, this translates to fast, dependable data connectivity in most situations. Video calls, streaming, and remote working are all entirely practical on a Norwegian mobile connection in urban and suburban settings.

Language and customer service

Provider websites and automated phone menus are primarily in Norwegian. Most operators can, however, provide assistance in other languages — particularly in larger cities. On Telenor’s customer service line (05000), the initial recording is in Norwegian, but pressing the # key connects you to an agent who can help in other languages. Using a browser translation tool when navigating provider websites is a practical way to manage your account and compare plans online.

Comparing plans

Make use of comparison tools such as Prisjakt or seek independent guidance from Forbrukerrådet when evaluating mobile plans and hunting for the best value. The Norwegian Consumer Council’s Forbrukerrådet offers impartial advice, while Prisjakt aggregates and compares current plan pricing across all major providers. For regulatory questions and guidance on your rights as a telecoms consumer, reach out to Nkom at nkom.no/en.

Frequently asked questions about telephone services in Norway

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Norway?

In most cases, no — it is not possible to transfer a non-Norwegian mobile number directly onto a Norwegian network. You will need to obtain a fresh Norwegian number from a local provider. If you want to keep your overseas number active for incoming calls, you could maintain your original SIM card alongside your Norwegian one — perhaps on a minimal plan — or set up call forwarding to your Norwegian number. Smartphones that support eSIM make it straightforward to run two active numbers simultaneously.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Norway?

For a prepaid SIM, valid photo identification (typically a passport) is the standard requirement, and a Norwegian address is not always necessary. For a postpaid contract, providers will generally ask for a Norwegian address along with either a fødselsnummer or D-number. If you have not yet registered a Norwegian address, start with a prepaid SIM and switch to a contract once you have completed your registration with the Norwegian authorities.

What is a D-number, and do I need one to get a phone contract in Norway?

A D-number is a provisional national identity number assigned to foreign nationals who need to be registered in Norway but do not yet qualify for a permanent fødselsnummer. It is issued by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). Many mobile providers will accept a D-number in lieu of a fødselsnummer when you apply for a postpaid contract. Contact your preferred provider to confirm their exact requirements before submitting an application.

Is 5G available in Norway, and is coverage good?

Norway’s mobile network is exceptional, supported by major providers like Telenor, Telia, and Ice, with extensive 5G coverage reaching even the most remote areas, including the depths of fjords and mountains. Telia leads in terms of 5G geographic reach, while Telenor offers the broadest overall network coverage. City centres and urban areas benefit from excellent 5G speeds, though very isolated wilderness locations may have restricted or no signal on any network.

Can I use an eSIM in Norway?

Yes. All three major mobile network operators — Telenor, Telia, and Ice — offer eSIM plans through their websites. It is often possible to activate an eSIM before you arrive in Norway, giving you connectivity the moment you step off the plane. Check that your device is both unlocked and eSIM-compatible, and review each provider’s website for available eSIM plans and the steps required to activate them.

How do I dial internationally from Norway?

To make an international call from Norway, dial the access code 00, followed by the destination country code and then the local number. For example, to reach a number in Germany, dial 00 49 and then the German number, dropping any leading zero. From a mobile handset, the + symbol can be used in place of 00. International call costs from mobile plans vary — many modern contracts include calls to neighbouring Nordic and EEA countries within their monthly allowance.

Are there budget mobile options for newcomers on a tight budget?

Norway’s MVNOs provide competitive plans on the major networks for slightly lower prices than the main operators, leasing network access to offer similar coverage at reduced rates. While data speeds may be slower during peak times, MVNOs are good options for cost-conscious users. Providers such as OneCall, Talkmore, and Lycamobile are worth comparing. Use Prisjakt at prisjakt.no to compare current prices across all operators.

Who regulates telephone services in Norway, and where can I complain?

The national telecommunications regulator is Nasjonal kommunikasjonsmyndighet (Nkom), accessible at nkom.no/en. Nkom oversees licensing, consumer protection in telecoms, and number portability rules. For disputes with a provider over billing, contract terms, or service quality, you can also contact the Forbrukerrådet (Norwegian Consumer Council) at forbrukerradet.no, which offers free mediation services for consumer complaints.