Norway, with its varied and challenging geography, has utilised technology and telecommunications in remarkable ways. Its long, narrow shape, mountainous terrain and highly dispersed population have necessitated unique solutions for digital connectivity. These challenges have been met head-on, with Norway ranking among the world's most connected countries. The nation's remote Arctic territory of Svalbard, despite its isolation, has access to high-speed internet via undersea fibre-optic cables (Svalbard Undersea Cable System). The country has also heavily invested in renewable energy technologies, with particular focus on hydropower due to its numerous waterways. Norway's telecommunications and technology sectors are mature and advanced, with a high rate of digital literacy among the population and a strong governmental focus on digitalisation. High-tech, smart-grid solutions have been implemented in the electricity network, reflecting Norway's commitment to both technology and sustainability.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 3 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Ice is a telecommunications company operating in Norway. It was founded in 2003 as Nordisk Mobiltelefon and is currently owned by Access Industries, a privately held industrial group based in the United States. It was originally a subsidiary of AINMT Holdings AB, a Swedish company, until it became an independent entity in 2009. Ice provides both mobile and fixed-line services, with a focus on the consumer market. The company has made significant investments to expand its network coverage and capacity in Norway.
Telenor Norway is the largest mobile network operator and telecommunications service provider in Norway. The company has operations dating back to 1855, with the first Norwegian telegraph line opened by the Norwegian Telegraph Administration (Telegrafverket). The company remained branded as Telegrafverket until 1969 when it became known as Televerket, Norwegian Telecommunications. Historically state-owned, telecommunications services were privatised in 1994, becoming a publicly traded company and subsequently changing its name to Telenor in 1995.
Telia Norway is the second largest mobile network operator in Norway. The company was founded in 1993 following the issuance of a second operator licence to NetCom GSM AS in 1991, ending Telenor's long running monopoly. NetCom was publicly listed in 1996 and gradually acquired by TeliaSonera until 2000 when the group tallied 95% ownership and subsequently delisted the company. NetCom was rebranded with Telia's colour scheme in 2011 and finally underwent a name change to Telia Norge in March 2016.