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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 best mobile internet in Denmark is straightforward due to the country’s excellent digital infrastructure. Whether you need a prepaid SIM card for a short visit or a long-term mobile subscription as an expat, Danish mobile operators offer high-speed 4G and 5G coverage across the nation. This guide covers the main providers, plan types, and how to get connected.
The Danish Mobile Network Landscape
Denmark’s mobile market is characterized by three major network owners and a large number of virtual operators that use these networks. This creates a competitive environment with many choices for consumers.
The Main Network Operators (MNOs)
Three companies own and operate the physical mobile network infrastructure in Denmark. All other mobile providers are Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that rent access from one of these three MNOs.
- TDC NET: Historically the incumbent, TDC NET is widely regarded as having the most comprehensive and robust network coverage in Denmark, particularly in rural areas. They consistently win awards for network speed and reliability.
- Telenor & Telia (TT-Netværket): Telenor and Telia merged their networks into a joint venture called the TT-Network. This shared infrastructure provides strong competition to TDC, offering excellent coverage and speed, especially in urban and suburban areas.
- 3 (Hi3G): The third operator, 3, operates its own independent network. It is known for being a data-centric provider, often offering large data packages at competitive prices. Its network is strongest in cities and may have weaker spots in the countryside compared to TDC or the TT-Network.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
The vast majority of mobile plans sold in Denmark come from MVNOs. These companies do not own their own networks but instead lease capacity from one of the three MNOs. This allows them to offer competitive pricing by focusing on marketing and customer service rather than infrastructure maintenance.
Popular MVNOs include CBB Mobil, Oister, eesy, and Lebara. When choosing an MVNO, it is crucial to know which underlying network they use, as this will determine your coverage and data speed. For example, eesy uses the premium TDC NET network, while CBB uses the TT-Network.
Choosing Your Plan: Prepaid vs. Subscription
Your choice between a prepaid plan and a monthly subscription will largely depend on the length of your stay and whether you have a Danish CPR number (personal identification number).
Prepaid SIM Cards (Taletidskort)
Prepaid SIM cards are the ideal solution for tourists and short-term visitors. They offer flexibility without any commitment. You purchase a starter pack and then top up your balance or buy data packages as needed. No CPR number is required for prepaid SIM cards.
The main advantage is the ease of acquisition; you can buy them in supermarkets, convenience stores, and airports. The downside is that the price per gigabyte of data is often higher compared to monthly subscriptions.
Mobile Subscriptions (Abonnement)
Mobile subscriptions are designed for residents and long-term expats. They offer the best value for money, with large data allowances, and often include unlimited calls and texts for a fixed monthly price. Subscriptions almost always require a Danish CPR number and registration with Betalingsservice (an automatic payment system).
While some providers offer no-commitment subscriptions (“ingen binding”), many of the best deals come with a six-month binding period. These plans are the standard choice for anyone living in Denmark.
Key Mobile Providers for Expats and Tourists
Several providers stand out for their offerings tailored to the needs of non-Danes. Some specialize in flexible prepaid options, while others offer great value for residents with a CPR number.
Lebara Mobile: The Go-To for Prepaid
Lebara is arguably the most popular choice for tourists and newly arrived expats. They operate as an MVNO on the Telenor/Telia (TT) network. Their main selling points are the lack of a CPR requirement, affordable international calling rates, and easy-to-understand prepaid packages.
You can purchase a Lebara SIM card at many locations, including 7-Eleven, Føtex, and Netto. Activation is simple, and top-ups can be done online or by purchasing vouchers. They also offer eSIM options for compatible phones, which can be activated instantly.
| Package | Data | EU Data | Price (DKK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data 20GB | 20 GB | 20 GB | 49,- / 30 days |
| Data 100GB | 100 GB | 25 GB | 99,- / 30 days |
| Data 200GB | 200 GB | 30 GB | 119,- / 30 days |
Lyca Mobile: Another Strong Prepaid Contender
Similar to Lebara, Lyca Mobile targets the international community with low-cost prepaid plans that don’t require a CPR number. They operate as an MVNO on the Telia network, providing reliable coverage. Lyca Mobile also focuses heavily on cheap international calls to specific countries.
Their SIM cards are widely available in kiosks and small shops, especially in larger cities. They offer a range of monthly bundles that combine data, national minutes, and international minutes, providing good value for those who need to call abroad frequently.
CBB Mobil: Value-for-Money Subscriptions
Once you have a CPR number, CBB Mobil is an excellent choice. They are an MVNO on the Telenor/Telia network and are consistently ranked high for customer satisfaction and value. They offer a range of simple, affordable monthly subscriptions.
CBB’s plans are straightforward, typically including a generous data allowance, free calls/SMS, and EU roaming. They often run promotions for new customers. Signing up is done online and requires a CPR number for the credit check and registration.
Oister: The Low-Cost Subscription Champion
Oister is another extremely popular low-cost provider for those with a CPR number. Operating on the 3 network, Oister is known for its aggressive pricing and large data packages. If you live in an urban area where the 3 network is strong, Oister can offer some of the best deals on the market.
Their brand is focused on being simple, digital, and cheap. The sign-up process is entirely online. Be aware that their network coverage might be less comprehensive than the competition if you travel frequently to rural parts of Denmark.
eesy: Simple and on the Best Network
A newer player in the market, eesy has quickly gained popularity by offering very simple, low-cost plans on the premium TDC NET network. This makes them a compelling choice for those who want the best possible network coverage without paying the premium prices of TDC’s own brand, YouSee.
eesy offers a few straightforward subscriptions with no hidden fees. The entire experience is digital, from sign-up to customer service. A CPR number is required to become a customer.
eSIM in Denmark: The Digital Alternative
The use of eSIMs is becoming increasingly common in Denmark. An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without having to use a physical SIM card. This is particularly useful for tourists and for those using dual-SIM phones.
How to Get an eSIM in Denmark
Many Danish providers now offer eSIMs for both prepaid and subscription plans. For tourists, providers like Lebara offer prepaid eSIMs that can be purchased online before you even arrive in Denmark. You receive a QR code via email, scan it with your phone, and the plan is activated instantly upon landing.
For residents, providers like CBB, eesy, and Oister allow you to choose an eSIM when you sign up for a subscription. The activation process is similarly seamless, managed through the provider’s website or app.
Benefits of Using an eSIM
The primary benefits of an eSIM are convenience and flexibility. You avoid the hassle of finding a physical store to buy a SIM card. It also allows you to keep your primary SIM card from your home country active for calls and texts while using the Danish eSIM for affordable mobile data.
Network Coverage and Quality
Mobile network coverage in Denmark is excellent overall, but there are differences between the three networks that can be important depending on where you live and work.
TDC NET: The Premium Network
TDC NET’s network is the market leader in coverage. It provides the most reliable signal in remote areas, on islands, and inside dense buildings. If you live outside a major city or prioritize having a stable connection everywhere, choosing a provider that uses the TDC NET network (like eesy or YouSee) is a safe bet.
Telenor & Telia (TT-Netværket): The Shared Powerhouse
The network sharing agreement between Telenor and Telia has created a formidable competitor. The TT-Network has extensive 4G and 5G coverage that is on par with TDC NET in most populated areas. Providers on this network (like CBB Mobil and Lebara) offer a great balance of price and performance.
3 (Hi3G): The Urban Challenger
The 3 network is highly focused on data and has invested heavily in its 5G network in cities. In Copenhagen, Aarhus, and other urban centers, it can deliver some of the fastest mobile internet speeds available. However, its coverage can be less consistent once you move into more rural regions.
Tip: Before committing to a provider, especially for a long-term subscription, check their network coverage map online. All providers have detailed maps on their websites. While coverage is great nationwide, there can be local differences, particularly if you live in a rural area, a new building, or a basement apartment.
Practical Steps to Get Connected
Getting mobile internet in Denmark is a simple process, but the steps differ for prepaid and subscription plans.
Getting a Prepaid SIM Card
- Purchase a Starter Pack: You can buy prepaid starter packs from providers like Lebara or Lyca Mobile in supermarkets (Føtex, Netto, Bilka), convenience stores (7-Eleven), electronic stores (Elgiganten), or at Copenhagen Airport.
- Insert the SIM Card: Simply insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone.
- Activate and Top Up: Follow the simple instructions included in the package. Often, activation is automatic. You can then buy a data bundle online via the provider’s website using a credit card or purchase a top-up voucher from the same stores where you bought the SIM.
Signing Up for a Mobile Subscription
- Obtain a CPR Number: This is the first and most critical step. You cannot get a monthly subscription without a Danish personal identification number.
- Choose a Provider: Research providers like CBB, Oister, or eesy online. Compare their plans based on data needs, network coverage, and price.
- Sign Up Online: The sign-up process is almost always done on the provider’s website. You will need to provide your CPR number, address, and use your MitID (Danish digital ID) for verification.
- Set Up Payment: You will be required to link a payment card or sign up for Betalingsservice for automatic monthly billing.
- Receive Your SIM Card: The provider will mail a physical SIM card to your Danish address, which usually takes 1-3 business days. If you chose an eSIM, you will receive activation details via email.
Important Considerations
There are a few key details to be aware of when using mobile internet in Denmark.
EU Roaming: “Roam Like at Home”
All Danish mobile plans, both prepaid and subscription, include free roaming within the EU and EEA countries. This means you can use your plan’s included calls, texts, and data in other EU countries without extra charges. However, providers have a “fair usage policy” that limits the amount of data you can use abroad each month. This limit is typically between 20-30 GB, even on plans with much larger domestic data allowances.
The CPR Number Requirement
The requirement of a CPR number for subscriptions is non-negotiable. It is used by companies for credit checks and to ensure they have a legally registered person to bill. For expats, obtaining a CPR number from the authorities should be a top priority upon arrival if they plan to stay for more than three months. Until you have one, a prepaid SIM card is your only option.
Understanding Data Allowances
Many Danish providers advertise “fri data” (unlimited data). While these plans offer a huge amount of data, they are always subject to a fair usage policy to prevent abuse. This limit is typically very high (e.g., 1000 or 2000 GB per month), so for all practical purposes, it functions as unlimited data for normal use. However, it’s not truly limitless, and tethering multiple devices for heavy downloading could trigger restrictions.