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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
For those seeking a reliable mobile operator in Denmark, Telia stands out as one of the country’s three major network owners. Understanding Telia’s mobile plans, network coverage, and options like prepaid SIM and eSIM is essential for anyone moving to or visiting Denmark and needing dependable mobile connectivity.
Telia’s Mobile Network and Coverage
Telia operates its own physical mobile network infrastructure, making it a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) rather than a virtual one (MVNO). This gives them direct control over network quality, performance, and upgrades, which is a significant factor for users who prioritize stability and speed.
The TT-Netværket Joint Venture
A unique aspect of the Danish mobile market is the network sharing agreement between Telia and Telenor. Together, they operate “TT-Netværket” (The TT-Network), which is the largest shared mobile network in Denmark. This collaboration involves sharing masts and infrastructure across the country.
For a Telia customer, this means you benefit from the combined coverage of both Telia’s and Telenor’s masts. This partnership has resulted in a robust and extensive network that provides excellent coverage for the vast majority of the Danish population, including in many rural areas where a single operator might have weaker signal.
4G/LTE Coverage
Telia’s 4G/LTE coverage, via the TT-Netværket, is comprehensive and covers nearly all of Denmark. You can expect fast and reliable 4G data speeds in cities, towns, and along major transport routes. For most day-to-day activities like streaming video, browsing, and using navigation apps, the 4G network is more than sufficient.
5G Network Rollout
Telia is actively rolling out its 5G network across Denmark. Major cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg have widespread 5G coverage, and the network is continuously expanding to cover more towns and regions. To use 5G, you need a 5G-compatible phone and a mobile plan that includes 5G access, which most of Telia’s current postpaid plans do.
Mobile Plans from Telia (Abonnementer)
Telia primarily focuses on postpaid monthly subscriptions, known in Danish as ‘abonnementer’. These plans typically offer a bundle of services, including a set amount of data, calls, and texts. They are the most common choice for residents and long-term expats.
Acquiring a postpaid plan usually requires a Danish CPR number (personal identification number) and a Danish address. This is a standard requirement for credit-based services in Denmark and can be a hurdle for newly arrived individuals.
Structure of Postpaid Plans
Telia’s postpaid plans are tiered based on the amount of data included. Most plans come with “fri tale” (unlimited calls) within Denmark and to Danish numbers. The main differentiator is the data allowance, which can range from a modest amount for light users to unlimited data for heavy users.
These subscriptions often have a binding period (‘bindingsperiode’) of six months, which is standard in the Danish market. After this initial period, you can typically cancel the subscription with one month’s notice.
Included Entertainment Services
A key selling point for Telia’s premium plans is the inclusion of entertainment and streaming services. Depending on the plan, you might get access to services like Spotify, HBO Max, TV 2 Play, or Netflix as part of your monthly fee. This can offer significant value if you already subscribe to these services separately.
Telia Roam Like Home
All of Telia’s postpaid plans include “Roam Like Home” in the EU/EEA, allowing you to use your plan’s calls, texts, and a large portion of your data in other EU countries without extra cost. Telia often extends this benefit to other countries as well, such as Switzerland, Turkey, Thailand, and the USA, depending on the specific plan. This is a major advantage for frequent travelers.
Family Discounts (Samlerabat)
Telia offers a ‘samlerabat’, or gathering discount, for families or households that collect multiple subscriptions under one account. The more mobile plans you add, the larger the discount per plan. This can make Telia a cost-effective option for couples or families living in Denmark.
Example of Telia Postpaid Plans
To provide a clear overview, here is a table with examples of what Telia’s postpaid mobile plans might look like. Note that offerings and prices change, so this is for illustrative purposes.
| Plan Feature | Example Plan 1 | Example Plan 2 | Example Plan 3 (Unlimited) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data in Denmark | 50 GB (with 5G) | 150 GB (with 5G) | Unlimited (with 5G) |
| Data in EU/EEA | 25 GB | 35 GB | 45 GB |
| Calls/SMS/MMS | Unlimited in Denmark | Unlimited in Denmark | Unlimited in Denmark |
| Included Services | None | 1 streaming service (e.g., HBO Max) | Multiple streaming services (e.g., Netflix & Spotify) |
| Binding Period | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months |
Telia Prepaid (Taletidskort) for Tourists
For tourists, short-term visitors, or those without a CPR number, Telia offers prepaid options known as ‘Telia Taletid’. This provides a straightforward way to get connected without a long-term contract or credit check.
How to Get a Telia Prepaid SIM Card
You can purchase a Telia prepaid starter pack (‘startpakke’) at Telia’s physical stores, which are located in major cities and shopping centers. They are also available in many 7-Eleven convenience stores and some larger supermarkets. The starter pack includes a SIM card and a small amount of initial credit.
Registration is required by Danish law. You will need to present a valid photo ID, such as a passport, at the point of purchase. The store staff will typically handle the registration process for you.
Topping Up Your Credit (Tanke Op)
Once your initial credit is used, you can top it up (‘tanke op’) in several ways. You can buy top-up vouchers at supermarkets and convenience stores, top up online on the Telia website using a credit card, or visit a Telia store for assistance.
After topping up your main balance, you can use it for calls and texts on a pay-as-you-go basis, or you can use the credit to purchase a data package, which is far more cost-effective for internet use.
Tip: For prepaid users, always use your topped-up credit to buy a data package (‘datapakke’) via Telia’s self-service portal or by SMS. Using data on a pay-as-you-go basis from your main balance is extremely expensive and will deplete your credit very quickly.
eSIM with Telia: A Convenient Digital Option
Telia fully supports eSIM technology, which is an excellent option for travelers and expats with modern smartphones (like recent iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy models). An eSIM is a digital SIM that is embedded in your device, so you don’t need a physical SIM card.
How to Get a Telia eSIM
For postpaid customers, you can easily switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM through Telia’s online self-service portal (‘Mit Telia’) or by visiting a store. The switch is usually instant, and you will receive a QR code to scan to activate the eSIM on your phone.
For new customers, including tourists, you can often get an eSIM directly when signing up for a plan in a Telia store. This allows you to get connected immediately without needing to insert a physical card, and you can keep your home SIM active in the physical slot if your phone supports it.
Advantages of eSIM for Travelers
Using a Telia eSIM is particularly useful for international visitors. You can potentially set up your Danish mobile plan before you even arrive in the country. It also frees up the physical SIM slot in your phone for your primary number, allowing you to receive calls and texts on both numbers simultaneously.
Customer Service and Support
As a premium operator, Telia provides a high level of customer support through various channels. This is an important consideration for expats who may need assistance navigating the specifics of mobile services in a new country.
In-Store Support
Telia has a network of physical stores (‘Telia butikker’) across Denmark. Staff in these stores are generally fluent in English, especially in larger cities, and can help with everything from choosing a plan and setting up your phone to troubleshooting technical issues.
Phone and Online Support
Telia’s customer service can be reached by phone. While the initial automated menus may be in Danish, you can typically request to speak with an English-speaking representative. They also offer support through their website, which includes FAQs and a chat function, though the primary language is Danish.
Telia’s Position in the Danish Market
The Danish mobile market is dominated by three network operators: TDC (whose network is used by YouSee and Telmore), Telia (in partnership with Telenor), and 3 (Hi3G). Telia positions itself as a premium provider focused on network quality and bundled services.
Compared to TDC NET, the TT-Netværket of Telia and Telenor is a very strong competitor, with both networks claiming top spots in independent network tests for speed and coverage. Compared to 3, Telia often has broader rural coverage due to the extensive TT-Netværket, while 3 is known for its aggressive data plans and fast speeds in urban areas.