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24. September 2025
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- Calls: 5 hours
- Data: 5 GB
- SMS: Unlimited
- Setup fee: 0 DKK
- Contract: None
- Calls: 0.20 DKK / min
- Data: 1.4 DKK / MB
- SMS: 0.60 DKK
- Subscription: 19 DKK
- Setup fee: 0 DKK • Contract: None
- Calls: 5 hours
- Data: 3 GB
- SMS: Unlimited
- Setup fee: 0 DKK
- Contract: None
Finding the right provider among the many mobile operators in Denmark involves understanding the three core networks and the numerous virtual operators (MVNOs) that use them. The Danish market is characterized by high-quality 4G and 5G coverage, competitive pricing, and a strong focus on monthly subscriptions over traditional prepaid SIM cards.
The Danish Mobile Network Infrastructure
Denmark’s mobile services are built upon three physical network infrastructures. All mobile operators, whether they own a network or not, use one of these. Understanding which network an operator uses is key to determining coverage and quality in your specific area.
The Three Network Owners (MNOs / Phone companies)
A Mobile Network Operator (MNO) owns and maintains the physical infrastructure, including cell towers and antennas. In Denmark, there are three MNOs, which have formed two competing network structures.
- TDC NET: The incumbent and historically largest network. It is known for its extensive coverage, particularly in rural and remote areas of Denmark. YouSee and Telmore are the primary brands operating directly on this network.
- TT-Network (Telia & Telenor): A unique joint venture where Telia and Telenor share their entire network infrastructure. This collaboration creates a powerful and widespread network with excellent coverage in most urban and suburban areas.
- 3 (Hi3G): The third network operator, often known for being a market challenger. 3 has a strong network, especially in cities, and is famous for its innovative roaming packages that work outside the EU.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
MVNOs do not own their own network infrastructure. Instead, they rent capacity from one of the three MNOs. This allows them to offer competitive pricing by focusing on marketing and customer service, often with a digital-first approach. Most low-cost brands in Denmark are MVNOs.
Major Mobile Operators in Denmark
These are the primary, customer-facing brands of the network owners. They typically offer a full range of services, including the latest smartphones, family plans, and bundled deals with internet or TV.
YouSee
Operating on the TDC NET network, YouSee is a premium provider. It is the mobile branch of the largest cable TV and internet provider in Denmark. YouSee often targets families and customers who prefer to bundle all their communication and entertainment services with one company, offering discounts for doing so.
Telenor
A major international telecommunications company, Telenor is one half of the TT-Network. It positions itself as a quality provider with a focus on reliable service and family-oriented plans. Telenor offers “Samlerabat” (collection discount) for customers with multiple subscriptions.
Telia
Telia is the other partner in the TT-Network. Like Telenor, it is a major player with a strong focus on both private and business customers. Telia frequently includes entertainment services like Spotify or HBO Max in its mobile subscriptions to add value.
3 (Three)
Known simply as 3, this operator runs its own network. Its main differentiator has historically been data and roaming. 3 was the first to introduce “3LikeHome,” a service allowing customers to use their phone in many countries outside the EU (like the USA and parts of Asia) without extra cost, a feature that is highly attractive to frequent travelers.
Popular Low-Cost Mobile Operators (MVNOs)
For most expats and tourists looking for value, the MVNOs are the most interesting option. They offer simple, low-cost monthly plans with no long-term commitment (usually a 30-day notice period). These are almost always managed online or through an app.
On the TDC NET Network
These operators benefit from what is often considered Denmark’s most robust network coverage.
Telmore
One of Denmark’s oldest and largest MVNOs, now owned by TDC. Telmore started as a low-cost pioneer but has evolved into a mid-tier brand. It offers competitive prices combined with bundled entertainment services like Telmore Musik, Netflix, and HBO Max.
eesy
A newer, fully digital operator on the TDC NET network. eesy’s philosophy is extreme simplicity. It offers a few straightforward, competitively priced mobile plans with no hidden fees or complex bundles. Everything is managed through their app, making it a simple choice for those who just want a reliable mobile plan.
On the TT-Network (Telia/Telenor)
Operators on this shared network offer a great balance of price and performance, with strong coverage nationwide.
CBB Mobil
Owned by Telenor, CBB Mobil is consistently ranked high for customer satisfaction. It offers very simple and affordable mobile plans with a reputation for excellent and friendly customer service. CBB is a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers who still value support.
Call me
Owned by Telia, Call me is another major low-cost player. It competes directly with CBB on price and simplicity. Call me is also known for its social campaign “Tal Ordentligt” (Speak Nicely), which promotes a better tone in online and phone conversations.
On the 3 Network
This network is home to one of the most aggressive low-cost brands in the market.
Oister
Oister is 3’s low-cost flanker brand and is extremely popular, especially among younger users. It is known for offering large amounts of data for very low prices. If your primary concern is getting the most gigabytes for your money, Oister is often the market leader.
Tip: Before choosing an operator, always check their “dækningskort” (coverage map) on their website. While all three networks are excellent, there can be significant differences in signal strength at a specific address, especially if you live in a rural area or a newly built apartment complex.
Prepaid SIM Cards in Denmark (“Taletidskort”)
For tourists or very short-term visitors, a prepaid SIM card, known as a “taletidskort,” can be a good solution. However, the Danish market is heavily dominated by monthly subscriptions, and prepaid offers are less common and often provide less value for money than a no-commitment monthly plan.
Where to Buy a Prepaid SIM
The easiest place to find a prepaid SIM card is not in a dedicated phone store but in supermarkets like Føtex, Netto, or Bilka, as well as convenience stores like 7-Eleven. These stores typically sell starter packs from international prepaid specialists.
Popular Prepaid Providers
The main players in the true prepaid space are Lycamobile and Lebara. Both are MVNOs that specialize in affordable international calls, making them popular with expats and tourists who need to call abroad. They typically use the Telenor or Telia network.
| Provider | Focus | Typical Starter Price | Network Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lycamobile | Cheap international calls | 29 – 99 DKK | Telia/Telenor |
| Lebara | Cheap international calls | 49 – 99 DKK | Telenor/Telia |
Understanding eSIM in Denmark
An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical SIM card. This technology is ideal for expats and tourists as it allows for instant setup and the ability to use two plans at once (e.g., your home plan and a Danish plan).
Which Danish Operators Offer eSIM?
eSIM technology is widely adopted in Denmark. Nearly all major and low-cost operators offer it, including YouSee, Telenor, Telia, 3, Telmore, CBB, Oister, and eesy. You can typically order an eSIM during the online sign-up process and receive a QR code via email for activation.
Activating an eSIM
The process is straightforward. You scan the QR code provided by the operator with your phone’s camera, and the mobile plan is downloaded and installed. For some operators, this process may require identity verification using MitID (the Danish digital ID), which can be a barrier for new arrivals. However, many are streamlining the process for easier access.
How to Choose the Right Mobile Operator
Selecting the best provider depends on your individual needs, location, and length of stay. Following a few logical steps can simplify the decision.
1. Check Network Coverage
Your first step should be to check the coverage maps for TDC NET, the TT-Network, and the 3 network at your primary locations (home, work, school). Even in a country with great coverage, one network might have a stronger indoor signal at your specific address.
2. Assess Your Data Usage
Danish mobile plans are generous with data. A standard plan often includes 30-60 GB of data, which is more than enough for most users. Heavy users can find plans with 100-200 GB or even “fri data” (unlimited data), which usually comes with a fair-use policy of 1000 GB per month.
3. Consider Roaming Needs
All Danish mobile subscriptions include free roaming within the EU/EEA, allowing you to use your plan in these countries as you would at home. If you travel frequently outside the EU, an operator like 3 with its 3LikeHome package can offer significant savings. For calling from Denmark to other countries, a specialist like Lycamobile is often cheaper.
4. The CPR Number Requirement
To sign up for a monthly subscription (even a no-commitment one), virtually all Danish mobile operators require a CPR number (Danish personal identification number) and a Danish address. This is the biggest hurdle for newcomers.
For those who have just arrived and are waiting for their CPR number, the best strategy is to start with a prepaid SIM card from a supermarket. Once you receive your CPR number, you can easily switch to a much better value monthly plan from a low-cost operator like Oister, CBB, or eesy.