Norway has the fastest internet speed in the world for mobile download speed. The speed of local mobile and internet providers like Telenor and Telia is even more impressive when taking into consideration the Norwegian landscape, with the mountains and the fjords posing geographical challenges for carriers.
Telecoms & internet
As mentioned above, you don't really have to worry about fast internet ' that's a given wherever you are in the country. But when you're considering telecom and internet providers, the first thing you need to do is check Finnsenderen: this website provides an overview of mobile masts in your area, so that you can see where they are located and which companies own and manage them.
Once you get an idea of what might work best in your area, you can visit the websites of the telecom providers to check on prices and packages, or visit the website of Norwegian Communications Authority to get the full list of registered providers. Generally speaking, Telenor is the biggest player in telecoms and mobile internet, with Telia as a close second, whereas broadband internet at home is mostly dominated by Get. At any given moment, you can check your internet speed using the Nettfart website which measures the capacity of your broadband line.
Good to know:
Many people in Norway won't bother with a fixed telephone line, and instead choose to just install a broadband connection for the internet. Be aware that since Telenor owns most fixed telephone lines, and you opt for a different company as your broadband provider, your company will be leasing the line from Telenor, so they may charge you extra to cover the difference (which is legal).
Postal services
Albeit a quite digital country, Norway's postal services are very comprehensive. Post offices are usually open Monday to Friday 9-6, and 10-3 on Saturdays, although in a typical Scandinavian fashion you can also collect your parcels from specific supermarkets/kiosks like 7/11. The first thing to do is go to the Posten website and type in your address to find out which post-office or pick-up location is associated with your postal code.
Good to know:
Norway has very strict rules when it comes to shipments from abroad. If you're expecting a private gift (with a value up to 1000 NOK, or 100 euros) you won't be charged anything to pick it up, as long as it doesn't contain alcohol and tobacco products. But if you're importing goods with a value over 350 NOK (35 euros) plus shipping, then you will have to pay VAT and toll charges to the state to pick up your parcel. The total fee can end up being quite steep, about 50% extra from what your parcel cost originally, so the recommendation is to order and have goods delivered to Norway only when it is an emergency, or if you can't find something similar on the Norwegian market.
Useful links:
Norwegian Communications Authority
Network speed test
Overview of mobile masts
Get
Telenor
Telia
Posten
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