Phone & internetNO
Phone & internet · Norway
Checked 2026-10-14

🤝 Is there a social tariff or cheaper phone and internet for people on a low income in Norway?

The short answer

There is no income-based social tariff. Under the universal service, Telenor must deliver a phone service, fixed or mobile, at ordinary prices to year-round homes and businesses in normal delivery areas. You pay the subscription and calls yourself.

Some countries have a social tariff or other support so that people on a low income can afford a phone and internet connection, and many guarantee a basic connection. What exists in Norway is below.

Official source: nkom.no · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Norway

The scheme

Leveringsplikt (leveringspliktige tjenester)

Who qualifies

Anyone at a place with permanent year-round residence or year-round business in the normal delivery area. It is not based on income.

The details

  • The current agreement with the state runs from 1 July 2026 to 1 January 2027 (it can be extended) and covers voice only, not broadband. Outside the normal delivery area, Telenor may charge you the extra cost of the connection. (nkom.no)
  • Complain about the universal service to Telenor first and then, if you cannot agree, to BKN. Disputes about whether Telenor has to deliver at all go to Nkom. (nkom.no)
  • If you fall behind, the provider must send at least one payment reminder and a warning; it can block or end the service no earlier than one month later. You are not billed the subscription while blocked (ekomloven § 4-11). (lovdata.no)
  • Providers of internet and voice services must offer people with disabilities equal access and pay the extra costs themselves. Since 1 July 2026, voice providers must also offer real-time text (ekomforskriften § 4-15). (lovdata.no)

Nasjonal kommunikasjonsmyndighet (Nkom)

Norway's telecom regulator. It administers and supervises the rules for providers, but as a rule it cannot step in on a dispute about your bill; that goes to your provider and then to Brukerklagenemnda.

📞 22 82 46 00🔗 nkom.no
Official source: nkom.no · Checked 2026-10-14

Brukerklagenemnda for elektronisk kommunikasjon (BKN)

Neutral, independent board for disputes between private customers and providers of phone, internet and TV services. Your complaint must first go to the provider.

📞 +47 22 13 32 20🔗 brukerklagenemnda.no
Official source: nkom.no · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

  1. See what existsThe schemes and rights in Norway are listed on this page, with who qualifies.
  2. Check whether you qualifySupport is often linked to benefits, age, disability or income. Have proof ready.
  3. Apply or ask your providerSome schemes need an application; others are offered through the providers.
  4. Look for cheaper plansBasic plans, prepaid SIMs and mobile internet can cost less than a full package.

📇 Who to contact

Nasjonal kommunikasjonsmyndighet (Nkom)Norway's telecom regulator. It administers and supervises the rules for providers, but as a rule it cannot step in on a dispute about your bill; that goes to your provider and then to Brukerklagenemnda.📞 22 82 46 00🔗 nkom.no
Brukerklagenemnda for elektronisk kommunikasjon (BKN)Neutral, independent board for disputes between private customers and providers of phone, internet and TV services. Your complaint must first go to the provider.📞 +47 22 13 32 20🔗 www.brukerklagenemnda.no
ForbrukerrådetIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.forbrukerradet.no

❓ Questions

Is there a right to a basic internet connection?

Many countries guarantee a basic connection at an affordable price. The rule for Norway, if there is one, is on this page.

Do I have to apply?

Usually yes. The details for Norway are on this page.

Can I get help with a debt to my provider?

Ask the provider for a payment plan, and contact free debt advice before your line is cut off.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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