Mobile phone services
To be able to use the mobile phone, you need either a subscription or a prepaid card. As of February 2023, all prepaid cards must be registered.
Page summary
You can choose between subscriptions and prepaid cards when using mobile phones in Sweden. Since February 2023, you must register your prepaid card. The mobile connects to a base station to function.
You can pay for the mobile in different ways and the terms vary. Subscriptions suit those who want a fixed price and prepaid cards offer more freedom. It is also possible to surf wirelessly in certain places via hotspots.
You can use a mobile phone to connect to the internet. You can surf on a computer through internet sharing. Coverage is important for the mobile to work well. The 2G and 3G networks will be shut down before the end of 2025, so you may need to change your mobile.
How does mobile telephony work?
The mobile network consists of base stations (masts) that cover different geographical areas. Your mobile device (router, dongle, or phone) communicates with the nearest base station via radio waves.
Subscriptions for mobile telephony
When you sign a subscription, you enter into an agreement with an operator to be able to use the mobile phone for a certain period or indefinitely. The subscription may be limited to a certain amount of data and calls or unlimited.
Prepaid cards for mobile telephony
With a prepaid card, you pay a certain amount in advance for the use of your mobile phone. The cost of using the service is deducted from the amount on the card, and therefore you do not receive any bills. Sometimes the terms may require you to, for example, top up the card at least once a year to keep it active. Usually, no monthly fee is charged on prepaid cards, but always ask the operator about current prices and conditions.
Hotspot – surf via wi-fi
Public surf zones are places where you can connect via wireless networks (such as WLAN) and connect to an existing network and/or access the internet. Such zones (also called Wi-Fi or “hot spots“) can be found at airports, train stations, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Some operators have encrypted zones that require a password to be used.
In addition to a mobile phone that supports WLAN, you need to register to get started. There are different ways to pay for this service, for example, per hour or surf as much as you want for a fixed monthly fee. Sometimes this service is included in the subscription. This is something you need to check either by contacting your operator or by reading through the agreement.
Mobile surfing – Mobile broadband via mobile phone
Mobile surfing can mean different things. You can either surf directly with the mobile phone or connect your mobile phone to a computer and use the mobile as a modem – internet sharing. You need a mobile phone that can handle data traffic transfer, and usually, you surf mainly within the 4G and 5G networks.
NOTE! 2G and 3G are now being gradually phased out and will stop working at the end of 2025. You may need to review your devices that connect to the mobile network to ensure they can connect to 4G and 5G.
Coverage for mobile services
A prerequisite for you to be able to use mobile services is that there is coverage at the location where you are. The coverage, as well as the type of mobile phone you have, can affect the quality of calls and mobile surfing.