Top 4 Mobile Networks in Sweden in 2024

Welcome to Sweden, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and high-quality lifestyle! As a foreigner in this beautiful country, you’re likely excited to explore and immerse yourself in the Swedish way of life. One of the key aspects to settling in smoothly is staying connected, and that’s where understanding the mobile networks in Sweden becomes crucial.

Table with Swedish mobile network providers:

This article is designed to be your friendly guide, helping you navigate the world of mobile networks in Sweden. Whether you’re here for a short stay or planning to make Sweden your new home, having a reliable mobile network connection is essential. It keeps you connected with your loved ones back home, helps you navigate the Swedish streets, allows you to make new connections, and so much more.

Top Mobile Networks in Sweden

Sweden has a robust mobile network infrastructure with several key players offering a variety of services.

Here are the major mobile network operators in Sweden.

Telia

Telia is the largest mobile network operator in Sweden, boasting a subscriber base of 6.914 million as of Q4 2021. They offer a range of services including GSM, UMTS, HSDPA, LTE, LTE-A, and 5G NR.

During the summer, they are offering a promotion where the start-up fee is waived, saving customers 299 kr. They also have a special offer for an iPhone 11 with an extra user subscription, priced at 339 kr/month, which is a savings of 275 kr.

Furthermore, Telia provides better prices on mobile phones when purchased with a mobile subscription and a binding period. The larger the subscription, the lower the price of the mobile phone.

Additionally, customers who bundle broadband and mobile subscriptions receive a free benefit, such as more mobile data, mobile broadband with 40 GB/month, or higher broadband speed.

Tele2

Tele2 is another significant player in the Swedish mobile network market. They have 2.946 million subscribers as of Q4 2021. Their services include GSM, UMTS, HSDPA, LTE, LTE-A, and 5G NR.

Tele2, a leading telecommunications company in Sweden, offers a range of mobile subscriptions with different pricing tiers. For those who don’t want to worry about the amount of mobile data, the “Obegränsad Snabb” subscription is available for 399 kr/month. If you want unlimited mobile data and free calls abroad, the “Obegränsad Snabbare” subscription is priced at 499 kr/month. For those who want unlimited mobile data, streaming packages, and a smartwatch subscription, the “Obegränsad Snabbast” subscription is available for 599 kr/month.

For those who use mobile data occasionally, there’s a 5 GB subscription for 249 kr/month. There’s also a promotional offer for a 15 GB subscription, where you get 30 GB of data for 299 kr/month.

Tele2 also offers discounts for those who bundle their mobile and broadband subscriptions, and for seniors over 65 years old.

Telenor

Telenor, formerly known as Vodafone, has 2.818 million subscribers as of Q4 2021. They provide services such as GSM, UMTS, HSDPA, LTE, LTE-A, and 5G NR.

For those who prefer prepaid cards, they offer the “Telenor Fastpris” prepaid card, which includes free calls, SMS, and MMS within Sweden or while travelling in the EU/EES. You can choose between nine different data allowances, ranging from 0.5 GB to 150 GB. The prices for these top-ups range from 49 SEK for 0.5 GB to 449 SEK for 150 GB, with the latter also including 1,500 minutes for calls abroad.

For those who make fewer calls and text messages and want to control their costs, Telenor offers the “Telenor Rörligt” prepaid card. With this card, calls are priced at 0.69 SEK/minute and SMS/MMS are also 0.69 SEK. The top-up amounts for this card are 100 SEK and 400 SEK. Mobile surfing costs 1 SEK for 1 MB.

Tre

Tre is a mobile network operator with 2.378 million subscribers as of Q3 2022. They offer services like UMTS, HSDPA, FD-LTE, TD-LTE, LTE-A, and 5G NR.

Each of these operators provides a variety of plans and packages tailored to different needs, including data-heavy plans for heavy internet users, budget-friendly options, and packages with international calling features. It’s recommended to compare the offerings of each operator to find a plan that best suits your needs.

Tre provides a variety of mobile subscriptions with different data allowances. They offer a 5 GB plan for 199 kr/month, a 20 GB plan for 299 kr/month, and an unlimited data plan for 399 kr/month. All these plans include calls, SMS, and MMS within Sweden or when travelling within the EU/EES, and there is no binding period. 5G is also included in all their plans.

For those who want to share their plan with family members, Tre offers a family subscription for an additional 129 kr/month. Each family member gets their own number, and they share the data from the main subscription.

Choosing the Right Mobile Network Provider

Choosing the right mobile network provider in Sweden can seem like a daunting task, especially with so many options available. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Consider Your Usage Needs: The first step in choosing a mobile network provider is understanding your usage needs. Are you a heavy data user, or do you primarily use your phone for calls and texts? Do you need international calling features, or are you more interested in local services? Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, you can compare the offerings of different providers to find a plan that matches your usage patterns.

• Evaluate Network Coverage: Network coverage can vary between providers, and it’s important to choose a provider that offers excellent coverage in the areas you frequent. All major providers in Sweden offer comprehensive coverage, but there can be differences, especially in rural areas. You can check coverage maps on the providers’ websites or ask locals for their experiences.

• Compare Pricing and Plans: Pricing can vary significantly between providers and even between different plans offered by the same provider. Be sure to compare the pricing and details of various plans, considering factors like data limits, call minutes, text allowances, and any additional features like international calling or roaming.

• Check for Special Offers: Many providers offer special deals or discounts, especially for new customers. These can include discounted rates for the first few months, bonus data, free devices, or other perks. Be sure to check the providers’ websites or ask in-store for any current promotions.

• Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations: Reviews from current or past customers can provide valuable insights into a provider’s service quality, customer service, network reliability, and more. You can find reviews online, or consider asking locals or other foreigners in Sweden for their recommendations.

Take the time to do your research, and don’t be afraid to switch providers if you’re not satisfied with your service. Your mobile network is your lifeline to the world, so it’s worth investing the time to find the right fit.

How to Get a Mobile Network Connection in Sweden

Getting a mobile network connection in Sweden is a straightforward process, especially once you’ve chosen your preferred provider. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Obtain a Personal Identity Number: The first step is to obtain a personal identity number, also known as a ‘personnummer’. This is a unique identification number that is assigned to every resident in Sweden, including foreigners. You can apply for a personal identity number at the Swedish Tax Agency.
2. Get a Swedish ID Card: Once you have your personal identity number, you can apply for a Swedish identity card from the Swedish Tax Agency. This ID card is your primary form of identification in Sweden and is often required to open a bank account, sign up for a mobile network, and for other official procedures.
3. Opening a Bank Account: Opening a Swedish bank account usually requires a Swedish ID card, valid passport, and personal identity number. Having a local bank account can make it easier to manage your finances, including paying for your mobile network services.
4. Visit a Mobile Network Provider’s Store or Website: Once you have these prerequisites sorted, you can visit a store or the website of your chosen mobile network provider. You can explore their different plans, ask any questions, and sign up for a plan that suits your needs.
5. Get Your SIM Card: After you’ve signed up for a plan, you’ll receive a SIM card. You can insert this SIM card into your mobile phone to start using your new mobile network. If you’re buying a new phone in Sweden, the store can help you set up your new SIM card.
6. Set Up Your Plan: Once your SIM card is activated, you can set up your plan according to your needs. This might include setting up automatic payments from your bank account, setting data limits, or customizing other features of your plan.

Overview of the Mobile Network Landscape in Sweden

Sweden’s telecommunications industry has a rich history, marked by continuous growth and innovation. The country began liberalizing its telecommunications industry in the 1980s, formally completing the process in 1993. This was ahead of many other countries, including the USA and those within the European Union. The Swedish people, known for their high computer literacy, have enjoyed the benefits of this growth, with technologies such as Metro Ethernet, fiber, satellite, WAN access technologies, and 3G services readily available.

The liberalization of the telecommunications industry in Sweden can be structured into three phases. The first phase began in 1980 with the opening of the market for terminals attached to the public network. The second phase emphasized the local loop, also known as the “last mile,” with the aim to introduce competition gradually but maintain some monopoly to deter entry into the market. The third phase, from 1993 to 2000, saw a rise in competition with the legislation of the regulatory body being changed several times.

Today, Sweden boasts a highly developed telecommunications infrastructure and is ranked among leading countries for fixed-line, mobile-cellular, Internet, and broadband penetration. There are several major organizations providing GSM services and numerous internet service providers. As of 2009, there were 5.014 million main lines in use and 10.65 million mobile cellular lines.

Understanding this landscape is crucial for foreigners in Sweden, as it provides a context for the mobile network options available to them. In the next sections, we will delve deeper into the major mobile network providers in Sweden and provide practical tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

FAQs