5G in Denmark: Coverage, Speeds and Providers

Denmark offers one of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructures in the world. The rollout of 5G in Denmark is extensive, covering major cities and a significant portion of rural areas. For foreigners and expats moving to Denmark, staying connected is usually one of the first priorities upon arrival. The market is competitive, resulting in high data allowances and relatively low prices compared to many other Western European countries and North America.

However, the process of obtaining a mobile plan differs significantly depending on your residency status. The Danish system relies heavily on the CPR number (Civil Registration Number). This creates a distinct divide between the options available to newly arrived expats and those who have already registered with the municipality. Understanding this distinction is vital to avoiding frustration during your first weeks in the country.

Mobile Networks in Denmark

Denmark has three main physical network owners. These companies own the cell towers, the spectrum licenses, and the physical infrastructure that powers mobile connectivity across the country. Every mobile plan sold in Denmark runs on one of these three networks, regardless of the brand name on the SIM card.

The Three Main Operators

TDC (TDC Net): TDC is the historic national telecommunications provider. It is widely regarded as having the best overall coverage, particularly in remote rural areas and on the smaller Danish islands. TDC was the first to achieve nationwide 5G coverage. Their premium consumer brand is YouSee, but they also operate budget-friendly brands.

TT-Network (Telenor and Telia): Telenor and Telia are two separate companies that merged their radio access networks in Denmark. This collaboration is known as the TT-Network. By combining their towers, they offer coverage that rivals TDC. In most urban and suburban areas, the difference between TDC and the TT-Network is negligible. They provide robust 4G and growing 5G availability.

3 (Tre): The operator “3” builds its own network. Historically, 3 focused heavily on major cities and larger towns. While their urban coverage is excellent and their data speeds are high, they have historically had fewer masts in very remote rural areas compared to TDC. However, they have expanded significantly with the rollout of 5G. They are famous for including roaming in non-EU countries.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)

Most expats will not sign a contract directly with the main network owners. Instead, they will likely choose an MVNO. These are smaller companies that rent network space from TDC, Telenor, Telia, or 3. They offer the exact same signal quality and speed as the main operator but usually at a much lower price point.

MVNOs operate with lower overheads. They typically have no physical stores and handle all customer service online. This business model allows them to offer aggressive pricing. For example, eesy Denmark operates on the TDC network but offers plans significantly cheaper than TDC’s main brand, YouSee. Similarly, CBB Mobil runs on Telenor’s network, and Call me runs on Telia’s network.

5G Coverage and Performance

5G technology is now standard in Denmark. The country has been quick to adopt the new standard, and it is no longer considered a premium add-on. Most mid-range and high-end mobile subscriptions include 5G access automatically. If you have a 5G-compatible device, you will likely connect to 5G in all major cities including Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg.

Speeds on the Danish 5G network are high. In city centers using the 3.5 GHz frequency band, download speeds can exceed 1 Gbps. In rural areas, operators use lower frequency bands (such as 700 MHz) to broadcast the signal over longer distances. This provides wider coverage but slightly lower speeds, typically ranging from 50 Mbps to 200 Mbps. This is still sufficient for 4K streaming and video conferencing.

Expats should check coverage maps provided by operators before committing to a subscription, especially if living in a rural zone. While 5G is widespread, there are still pockets in forests or coastal depressions where the signal reverts to 4G or 4G+.

Requirements for Standard Mobile Subscriptions

To access the best value mobile plans and monthly subscriptions (postpaid), you must be a registered resident in Denmark. The requirements are strict because these plans are essentially credit agreements. Operators bill you at the end of the month or via automatic direct debit.

The CPR Number

The CPR number is the cornerstone of the Danish administrative system. You cannot sign up for a standard mobile subscription contract without one. When you apply for a plan online or in a store, the system validates your identity against the CPR registry. If you have just arrived and are waiting for your residence permit or CPR card, you are ineligible for these contracts.

MitID or NemID

Digital identification is required to sign contracts online. MitID (the successor to NemID) is the secure login system used for banking, taxes, and signing legal documents. When you order a SIM card from a website like Oister or CBB, you must sign the agreement using MitID. Obtaining MitID usually happens shortly after receiving your CPR number and opening a bank account.

Danish Address and Bank Account

Operators require a registered Danish address (folkeregisteradresse). The SIM card is almost always sent to this address to prevent fraud. You cannot have a subscription SIM sent to a hotel or a temporary Airbnb address if it is not registered as your residence in the CPR system. Furthermore, payment is typically handled via Betalingsservice (automatic bill payment), which requires a Danish bank account.

Options Without a CPR Number: Prepaid SIM Cards

If you do not have a CPR number, you must use a prepaid solution. This is the standard route for tourists, short-term students, and new expats waiting for their paperwork. Prepaid plans in Denmark are “Pay As You Go” or fixed-price packages that renew every 30 days via credit card payment.

Where to Buy Prepaid SIMs

You can purchase physical prepaid SIM card Denmark packages at various retail locations. The most common places are convenience stores like 7-Eleven, kiosks at the airport (though these are often overpriced), and supermarkets like Netto or Føtex. Electronic stores like Elgiganten and Power also stock them.

Registration Requirements (ID Check)

It is no longer possible to buy an anonymous SIM card in Denmark. Anti-terrorism and anti-crime laws require all telecommunication users to be identifiable. When you buy a prepaid SIM from a kiosk, you must register it before it becomes active. This process usually involves:

Scanning a QR code on the SIM packaging.
Uploading a photo of your passport or national ID card.
Sometimes taking a video selfie to verify the ID matches the user.

Once the verification is complete, the line is activated. This can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours.

Top Providers for Non-CPR Users

Lebara: Lebara Denmark is the most popular choice for non-CPR holders. They operate on the Telenor/Telia network. Their plans are inexpensive and often include international minutes to many countries, which is ideal for expats calling home. You can link a foreign credit card to their app to auto-renew packages.

Lyca Mobile: Lyca operates on the TDC network. They offer competitive data packages and international calling bundles similar to Lebara. Their SIM cards are widely available in ethnic grocery stores and kiosks.

Physical SIM vs. eSIM

The telecommunications market is transitioning toward eSIM technology. An eSIM is a digital SIM profile embedded directly into the phone’s hardware. It eliminates the need to insert a plastic chip.

Advantages for Expats

The primary advantage of eSIM Denmark technology is the ability to get connected before arrival. You can purchase a data plan online while still in your home country. You receive a QR code via email, scan it, and the plan activates the moment your plane lands in Copenhagen. This bypasses the need to find a 7-Eleven at the airport or deal with physical SIM trays.

Availability

Most major Danish operators and low-cost MVNOs now support eSIM. However, some prepaid providers sold in kiosks may still only offer physical SIMs initially. If you require an eSIM immediately without a CPR number, you often have to use specialized travel data providers (like Airalo or Holafly) or purchase directly from Danish providers that allow online ID verification for eSIMs.

Mobile Plans and Pricing Overview

Danish mobile plans are generally structured as “packages.” A package includes a set amount of data, a set amount of voice minutes (often unlimited), and unlimited SMS/MMS. The price includes VAT. There are rarely hidden fees for standard usage.

The table below compares the typical tiers of mobile service available in Denmark.

Plan Type	Target Audience	Data (Denmark)	EU Roaming Data	Approx. Price (DKK/month)
Prepaid	Tourists, New Expats (No CPR)	100 GB – 200 GB	5 GB – 10 GB	99 – 119 DKK
Budget Postpaid	Residents, Light Users	20 GB – 50 GB	10 GB – 15 GB	79 – 99 DKK
Standard Postpaid	Average Residents	100 GB – 200 GB	15 GB – 25 GB	109 – 129 DKK
Unlimited	Heavy Users, Commuters	Unlimited (Fair use ~1TB)	25 GB – 40 GB	179 – 249 DKK

The value for money in Denmark is high. For approximately 100-120 DKK (roughly 13-16 EUR), you can get a plan that covers almost all typical usage needs. Competition is fierce, so operators frequently run “double data” promotions or half-price introductory offers for the first three to six months.

It is important to note that “Unlimited Data” in Denmark usually applies to usage within Danish borders. While the data cap is technically unlimited, there is often a fair usage policy hidden in the terms and conditions, usually set around 1,000 GB (1 TB) per month. This is sufficient for replacing a home internet connection for a single user.

EU Roaming and “Roam Like at Home”

Denmark is part of the European Union, and therefore Danish mobile plans adhere to the “Roam Like at Home” regulations. This means you can use your Danish mobile phone in other EU/EEA countries without paying exorbitant roaming fees. However, there are specific limitations that expats must be aware of.

Data Caps in the EU

While voice calls and SMS are usually unlimited within the EU (calling from another EU country back to Denmark or within that country), data is not unlimited. Operators are allowed to place a cap on the amount of data you can use while roaming, based on the price of your plan.

For example, if you have a 200 GB plan for use in Denmark, you might only get 20 GB of that allowance to use in Germany or France. If you exceed this roaming limit, you will be surcharged per gigabyte. The surcharge is regulated by the EU but can still add up. Operators must clearly state the EU data limit in their plan details.

Roaming Outside the EU

Using a Danish SIM card outside the EU/EEA (e.g., in Switzerland, the UK, USA, or Asia) can be extremely expensive. Costs can reach 50-70 DKK per megabyte if you do not have a specific travel package.

One major exception is the operator Oister Denmark (owned by 3) and the main brand “3”. They offer “3LikeHome,” a service that allows users to use their data and minutes in a large list of non-EU countries, including the UK and USA, at no extra cost. This makes the 3 network particularly attractive to expats who travel frequently outside of Europe.

Major Operator Breakdown

Choosing the right operator depends on your specific needs regarding coverage, price, and customer service.

TDC Group Providers

The TDC network is the premium choice for coverage.

YouSee: The main brand. Expensive, but includes extras like music streaming services and bundled TV options. Includes 5G.
Telmore: A digital brand known for “Play” subscriptions that bundle Netflix, HBO, and Disney+ into the mobile bill.
Eesy: The discount brand. No frills, just data and voice on the best network. Very popular for budget-conscious residents.

Telenor/Telia Network Providers

The TT-Network offers a solid balance of performance and price.

CBB Mobil: Owned by Telenor. Consistently rated highly for customer satisfaction. Simple plans, good app, no binding periods.
Call me: Owned by Telia. Similar to CBB. Often runs aggressive price campaigns.

3 (Tre) Group Providers

The 3 network is data-centric and urban-focused.

3 (Tre): The main brand. Focuses on family plans and bundled hardware (iPhones, Samsungs). Includes 3LikeHome roaming.
Oister: The discount king. Oister is often the cheapest operator on the market. They offer huge data packages for very low prices. They also include a version of 3LikeHome in many plans, though with fewer countries than the main brand.

Porting Your Number

If you already have a Danish phone number and wish to switch providers, the process is seamless. In Denmark, the new operator handles the cancellation of your old contract. You should not cancel your old subscription yourself, as this might result in losing your number.

When you sign up with a new provider, you select “Flyt mit nummer” (Move my number). You will be asked for your current number and SIM card number (ICCID). The new provider will contact your current provider and arrange the transfer. The process typically takes 30 days, which aligns with the standard notice period for most Danish mobile contracts. You will receive a new SIM card from the new provider, which will activate on the day the number is transferred.

Mobile Broadband as Home Internet

Because 5G is so robust in Denmark, many expats choose mobile broadband instead of traditional fiber or coax internet connections. This is particularly useful if you are renting a room or moving frequently.

Mobile broadband plans come with a data-only SIM card and a 4G or 5G router. You simply plug the router into a power outlet, and you have Wi-Fi. These plans often offer 1000 GB or unlimited data. It avoids the hassle of technician visits and cable installation. However, for serious gaming or large households, a wired connection is still superior regarding latency and stability.

Troubleshooting and Tips

APN Settings

Most modern phones automatically configure the Access Point Name (APN) settings when a Danish SIM is inserted. However, if data is not working, you may need to enter them manually. The APN usually follows the format “internet” or “data.provider.dk”. Check your operator’s support page for the specific string.

Top-Ups for Prepaid

If you are using a prepaid card like Lebara, you must ensure your balance is sufficient for renewal. Most providers have an app where you can link a credit card. If you fail to top up, your number will eventually be deactivated. In Denmark, you can usually keep a number active for 6 to 12 months without usage, but after that, it is recycled.

Cancelling Subscriptions

Standard Danish mobile contracts have a 30-day termination notice. There is usually a 6-month binding period (bindingsperiode) only if you bought a phone at a discount along with the plan. If you brought your own phone, you can cancel with one month’s notice. Cancellation is done via the provider’s self-service website or by contacting customer support.