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Getting access to high-speed 5G in Denmark is straightforward, with extensive coverage provided by the country’s three major mobile networks. These networks form the backbone for all mobile operators, ensuring that whether you are an expat or a tourist, you can find a reliable 5G connection almost anywhere in the country. The quality and reach of the 5G infrastructure are among the best in Europe.
The Danish mobile market is built upon three distinct physical networks, operated by TDC NET, Telia/Telenor (in a joint venture), and 3 (Hi3G). Every mobile plan you can buy in Denmark, from premium providers to low-cost virtual operators, uses one of these three underlying networks for its service, including 5G access.
The Three Danish Mobile Networks
Understanding these three core networks is the first step to choosing the right mobile operator. While all offer excellent 5G, there can be minor differences in coverage, especially in rural areas or inside large buildings. All operators are continuously expanding and improving their 5G capabilities.
TDC NET
TDC NET operates what is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and robust mobile network in Denmark. It consistently wins awards for network quality, speed, and coverage. Major brands like YouSee and the low-cost provider eesy use the TDC NET network, giving their customers access to premium 5G performance.
TT-Netværket (Telia & Telenor)
Telia and Telenor merged their network infrastructure to create TT-Netværket (the TT-Network). This powerful collaboration has resulted in a network that rivals TDC NET in both coverage and speed. By sharing masts, they have created a dense and reliable 5G network covering the vast majority of the Danish population.
3 (Hi3G Denmark)
3 (known locally as ‘Tre’) operates its own independent 5G network. While historically it had slightly less coverage in remote areas compared to the other two, 3 has invested heavily in its 5G rollout and now offers a very competitive service, particularly in urban and suburban areas. 3 is often known for its data-heavy plans and innovative features.
How to Check 5G Coverage
Before committing to a provider, it is wise to check their coverage map, known in Danish as a “dækningskort”. All mobile operators have interactive maps on their websites. You can enter a specific address to see the expected 5G, 4G, and 2G signal strength, both outdoors and indoors.
When reviewing these maps, look for the 5G layer. This will show you exactly where the operator expects you to receive a 5G signal. This is particularly important if you live outside of a major city or plan to travel extensively in rural parts of Denmark.
Choosing a Mobile Operator for 5G
Your choice of operator falls into two main categories: the network owners themselves (MNOs) or the virtual operators (MVNOs) that rent access to the main networks. MNOs often offer more premium packages with extra services, while MVNOs typically focus on providing simple, low-cost plans.
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
The MNOs are the companies that own the physical network infrastructure. In Denmark, these are YouSee (which is the consumer brand of TDC), Telia, Telenor, and 3. Subscribing directly with an MNO often gives you access to the latest technology, family discounts, and bundled services like streaming or cloud storage.
- YouSee: Operating on the TDC NET, YouSee is a premium provider known for high performance and bundling mobile plans with TV and internet. Their 5G access is included in all modern subscriptions.
- Telia: Using the shared TT-Netværket, Telia offers a range of plans, often with a focus on entertainment bundles and options for international calls.
- Telenor: Also on the TT-Netværket, Telenor provides competitive plans that are very similar to Telia’s, with strong 5G performance and various subscription tiers.
- 3 (Tre): Known for its “3LikeHome” feature, which allows you to use your data in many countries without extra cost, 3 is a strong choice for frequent travellers. Their 5G network is robust, especially for data-intensive users.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
MVNOs do not own their own network infrastructure. Instead, they purchase wholesale access from one of the three MNOs and resell it under their own brand. This business model allows them to offer highly competitive prices, often for the exact same network quality as the premium brands.
For most users, an MVNO provides the best value for money. You get access to a top-tier 5G network (TDC, TT, or 3) but at a significantly lower monthly cost. The trade-off is usually fewer bundled services and more basic customer support.
Comparison of Popular Danish 5G Providers
| Provider | Network Used | Market Position | Typical Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouSee | TDC NET | Premium MNO | Users wanting bundled services (TV/Internet) |
| Telia | TT-Netværket | Premium MNO | Users interested in entertainment packages |
| 3 (Tre) | 3 Network | Data-focused MNO | Heavy data users and frequent travellers |
| eesy | TDC NET | Low-cost MVNO | Price-conscious users wanting the best network |
| CBB Mobil | TT-Netværket | Low-cost MVNO | Users looking for simple, affordable plans |
| Oister | 3 Network | Low-cost MVNO | Price-conscious users with high data needs |
Popular MVNOs Offering 5G
Denmark has a vibrant and competitive MVNO market. Nearly all of them now include 5G in their standard plans without extra charge. Below are some of the most popular choices, grouped by the network they operate on.
MVNOs on the TDC NET Network
Choosing an MVNO on the TDC NET network gives you access to Denmark’s top-rated infrastructure at a lower price point. These are excellent choices for those who prioritize network quality and reliability above all else.
- eesy: A digital-only brand owned by Nuuday (the same company as YouSee). It offers simple, cheap plans on the TDC NET network, making it one of the best value propositions on the market.
- Velkommen: A newer provider focused on competitive pricing and green energy initiatives, also using the TDC NET network for reliable 5G service.
MVNOs on the TT-Netværket (Telia/Telenor)
These providers leverage the vast, shared network of Telia and Telenor. They offer a great balance of price and performance, with 5G coverage that is excellent across the country.
- CBB Mobil: Owned by Telenor, CBB is one of Denmark’s oldest and most popular low-cost providers. They are known for straightforward plans and good customer service.
- Call me: Owned by Telia, Call me is another major player in the low-cost segment. They often run campaigns focused on social responsibility (“Tal ordentligt” – speak properly).
- Greentel: Focuses on being an environmentally friendly choice and offers a variety of plans, including some for devices with low data usage like GPS trackers or alarms, all on the TT-Netværket.
MVNOs on the 3 (Tre) Network
MVNOs on the 3 network are typically the most aggressive on price, especially when it comes to data allowances. They are a fantastic choice for users who stream a lot of video or use their phone as a mobile hotspot.
- Oister: Owned by 3, Oister is famous for its very low prices and large data packages. It is consistently one of the cheapest options available for heavy data users.
- Flexii: A simple, digital-first provider on the 3 network that offers flexible and cheap mobile subscriptions with generous data allowances.
Tip: The Importance of the Danish CPR Number
For expats planning a longer stay, it is crucial to understand the role of the Danish Civil Registration (CPR) number. To sign up for a monthly mobile subscription (“abonnement”), virtually all Danish providers require you to have a CPR number and a Danish address. This is used for credit checks and billing.
If you have just arrived and do not have a CPR number yet, your best options are prepaid SIM cards or an international eSIM provider. Once you are officially registered and receive your CPR number, you can switch to a much cheaper monthly subscription.
5G for Tourists and Expats: Options Explained
For short-term visitors or new arrivals, the choice between a subscription, a prepaid card, or an eSIM depends on your needs and duration of stay.
Subscriptions (Abonnement)
This is the standard for residents and offers the best value. Subscriptions are postpaid monthly plans, often with no binding contract (“ingen binding”), meaning you can cancel with 30 days’ notice. As mentioned, they require a CPR number. All major operators and MVNOs offer 5G subscriptions.
Prepaid SIM Cards (Taletidskort)
Prepaid SIM cards are less common in Denmark than they used to be but are still available. You can buy them at supermarkets (like Føtex, Netto), convenience stores (7-Eleven), and electronics shops. You purchase a starter pack and then top up your credit as needed. While convenient for short trips, they are significantly more expensive for data than a monthly subscription.
eSIM: The Convenient Choice for Travellers
eSIM technology is perfect for tourists and business travellers. An eSIM is a digital SIM that you can download and install on your compatible smartphone without needing a physical card. You can often purchase and activate a Danish or European eSIM online before you even arrive in Denmark.
Several Danish providers, including 3, Telia, Telenor, and some MVNOs like eesy, offer eSIMs for their subscriptions. For short-term visitors, international eSIM providers like Airalo or Holafly offer data packages for Denmark, providing instant 5G connectivity upon landing.
Technical Details of the Danish 5G Network
The high performance of 5G in Denmark is due to strategic use of different frequency bands and a move towards more advanced network architecture.
5G Frequencies in Use
Danish operators primarily use three frequency bands for 5G:
- 700 MHz: This low-frequency band is excellent for providing wide-area coverage, extending 5G signals into rural areas and improving indoor penetration.
- 1800/2100 MHz: These mid-bands are often repurposed from 4G to add capacity and speed to the 5G network.
- 3.5 GHz (3500 MHz): This is the primary high-capacity 5G band. It delivers the ultra-fast speeds associated with 5G but has a shorter range, making it most effective in cities and densely populated areas.
Expected 5G Speeds
With a 5G phone and plan, you can expect download speeds that are significantly faster than 4G. In optimal conditions in major cities, speeds can exceed 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps). More typically, users will experience speeds between 100 and 500 Mbps, which is more than enough for high-quality video streaming, online gaming, and fast downloads.
Upload speeds are also improved with 5G, generally ranging from 30 to 100 Mbps. Speeds vary based on your location, network congestion, and the specific operator’s network configuration.
Network Architecture: NSA and SA
Initially, all Danish 5G was deployed in “Non-Standalone” (NSA) mode. This means the 5G radio network relies on the existing 4G core network to manage the connection. It’s a way to roll out 5G quickly and efficiently.
Operators are now transitioning to “5G Standalone” (SA). 5G SA uses a dedicated 5G core network from end to end. This will unlock the full potential of 5G, including ultra-low latency (response time) and the ability to connect a massive number of devices, which is crucial for future technologies like self-driving cars and advanced IoT.
Requirements for Using 5G in Denmark
To take advantage of the 5G network, you need two things: a compatible device and a plan that includes 5G access.
A 5G-Compatible Device
You must have a smartphone that supports 5G technology. Most smartphones released in the last few years from major brands like Apple (iPhone 12 and newer), Samsung (Galaxy S series, A series), Google (Pixel), and others are 5G-ready. Ensure your phone’s model is compatible with the 5G bands used in Denmark.
A 5G-Enabled Mobile Plan
The good news is that in Denmark, 5G is now a standard feature. Unlike in some countries where it’s a premium add-on, almost all mobile subscriptions from both MNOs and MVNOs include 5G access at no extra cost. When you sign up for a new plan, it will almost certainly be 5G-enabled by default.