Stockholm

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Mobile and Internet Services

Essential information about setting up mobile phone plans, internet services, and prepaid SIM cards.

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Guide to Mobile and Internet Services in Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, as the capital of Sweden, offers excellent mobile and internet services with high-speed connectivity and reliable coverage. Whether you're a visitor or a new resident, understanding the options available will help you choose the best service for your needs. Below is a detailed guide covering service providers, costs, subscription procedures, required documentation, and practical tips.

1. Mobile Services in Stockholm

Major Mobile Service Providers

  1. Telia

    • Sweden's largest and most established telecom provider.
    • Known for excellent coverage, including rural areas.
    • Offers both prepaid and postpaid plans.

  2. Telenor

    • Strong network coverage and competitive pricing.
    • Offers family plans and international roaming options.

  3. Tele2/Comviq

    • Tele2 is the parent company, while Comviq focuses on budget-friendly prepaid plans.
    • Popular among students and budget-conscious users.

  4. Tre (3)

    • Known for unlimited data plans and competitive pricing.
    • Strong in urban areas like Stockholm but slightly weaker in rural areas.

  5. Halebop

    • A subsidiary of Telia, targeting younger users with affordable prepaid and postpaid plans.

Costs and Plans

  • Prepaid Plans:

    • Prices range from SEK 100โ€“300 per month, depending on data and call/text allowances.
    • Example: Comviq offers 5GB of data, unlimited calls, and texts for around SEK 145/month.

  • Postpaid Plans:

    • Prices range from SEK 200โ€“600 per month.
    • Example: Tre offers unlimited data plans starting at SEK 399/month.

  • Pay-As-You-Go:

    • Available for short-term visitors.
    • SIM cards cost around SEK 50โ€“100, with top-ups available in increments of SEK 50.

Subscription Procedures

  • Prepaid SIM Cards:

    • Available at convenience stores (e.g., Pressbyrรฅn, 7-Eleven), supermarkets, or directly from provider stores.
    • No documentation is required for prepaid SIMs.

  • Postpaid Plans:

    • Requires a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) or coordination number (samordningsnummer) for registration.
    • A valid ID (passport or Swedish ID card) is also required.
    • Some providers may perform a credit check.

Prepaid vs. Postpaid

  • Prepaid:

    • Ideal for short-term visitors or those without a personnummer.
    • No contracts or credit checks.

  • Postpaid:

    • Better for long-term residents.
    • Often includes perks like unlimited data, international roaming, and family plans.

Cultural and Practical Tips

  • Coverage: All major providers offer excellent coverage in Stockholm, but Telia and Telenor are better for rural areas.
  • Language: Most provider websites and customer service are available in English.
  • SIM Card Activation: Prepaid SIMs are usually activated automatically upon purchase. For postpaid plans, activation may take 1โ€“2 days.
  • Roaming: EU roaming is included in most plans, allowing you to use your Swedish SIM in other EU countries without extra charges.

2. Internet Services in Stockholm

Major Internet Service Providers

  1. Telia

    • Offers fiber-optic, DSL, and mobile broadband.
    • Known for high reliability and speed.

  2. Com Hem (now part of Tele2)

    • Specializes in fiber and cable broadband.
    • Offers bundled packages with TV and mobile services.

  3. Telenor

    • Provides fiber and mobile broadband.
    • Competitive pricing for high-speed plans.

  4. Bahnhof

    • Popular for its privacy-focused policies and affordable pricing.
    • Offers fiber broadband with speeds up to 1 Gbps.

  5. Ownit

    • Known for excellent customer service and high-speed fiber plans.

Costs and Plans

  • Fiber Broadband:

    • Speeds range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
    • Prices start at SEK 300โ€“600/month.
    • Example: Bahnhof offers 100 Mbps for SEK 299/month and 1 Gbps for SEK 499/month.

  • Mobile Broadband:

    • Prices range from SEK 200โ€“400/month, depending on data limits.
    • Example: Telenor offers 40GB of mobile broadband for SEK 249/month.

  • Bundled Packages:

    • Many providers offer discounts when bundling internet with TV or mobile services.
    • Example: Com Hem offers internet + TV bundles starting at SEK 499/month.

Subscription Procedures

  • Fiber Broadband:

    • Check if your apartment or house is connected to a fiber network. Most buildings in Stockholm are pre-connected.
    • Choose a provider and plan, then sign a contract online or in-store.
    • Installation is usually free or costs around SEK 500โ€“1,000 if additional work is required.

  • Mobile Broadband:

    • Requires a SIM card and a compatible router or device.
    • Subscription can be done online or in-store.

Required Documentation

  • For Fiber Broadband:

    • Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) or coordination number (samordningsnummer).
    • Valid ID (passport or Swedish ID card).

  • For Mobile Broadband:

    • Same as above for postpaid plans. Prepaid options do not require documentation.

Internet Speeds

  • Stockholm is one of the most connected cities in the world, with average internet speeds of 100โ€“200 Mbps for most households.
  • Fiber connections can reach speeds of up to 1 Gbps, ideal for heavy users or remote work.

Cultural and Practical Tips

  • Apartment Networks: Many rental apartments in Stockholm include internet in the rent. Check with your landlord before subscribing to a new plan.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, libraries, and public spaces. Stockholm's public transport system also offers free Wi-Fi on some buses and trains.
  • Contract Length: Most fiber broadband contracts are for 12โ€“24 months. Early termination fees may apply.
  • Privacy: Bahnhof is a good choice for privacy-conscious users, as they are known for their strong stance on data protection.

3. Recommendations for Newcomers

  • Short-Term Visitors:

    • Opt for a prepaid SIM card from Comviq or Halebop for affordable mobile data and calls.
    • Use public Wi-Fi for internet access.

  • Long-Term Residents:

    • Get a postpaid mobile plan from Telia or Tre for unlimited data and better perks.
    • For home internet, choose a fiber broadband plan from Bahnhof or Ownit for high speeds and reliability.

  • Budget-Friendly Options:

    • Comviq for prepaid mobile services.
    • Bahnhof for affordable fiber broadband.

By understanding the options and procedures outlined above, you can easily set up mobile and internet services in Stockholm, ensuring a smooth transition to life in the city.