Phone & internetIS
Phone & internet · Iceland
Checked 2026-10-14

📡 Can I use my own router or modem instead of the provider’s in Iceland?

The short answer

Internet users have the right to access and share information and content using equipment of their own choice, regardless of their location or the provider's. Your provider must treat all traffic equally, without discrimination, restriction or interference.

Many people prefer their own router. Whether your provider must let you connect it, and which details it must give you to set it up, depends on the rules in Iceland.

Official source: island.is · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Iceland

The details

  • The EU Open Internet Regulation, which applies in Iceland, also gives you the right to use terminal equipment of your choice via your internet access service. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
  • If you keep the provider's equipment when the contract ends, it must lift any conditions on using it on other networks free of charge, at the latest when compensation is paid. (island.is)
  • Terms for phone and internet service must state expressly that you do not have to pay for equipment or services that you did not ask for and do not need. (island.is)
  • All telecom equipment used in Iceland must carry the CE mark. Devices without it are illegal here, wherever you bought them. (fjarskiptastofa.is)

Fjarskiptastofa

Iceland's telecom regulator. It takes complaints from consumers who think a provider breaks its duties under the telecom rules, tries to settle the dispute quickly and otherwise decides it.

📞 +354 510 1500🔗 fjarskiptastofa.is
Official source: island.is · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check that it fits your lineMake sure the router supports your type of connection: fibre, cable, DSL or mobile.
  2. Ask for the access detailsYou need the login data and settings for the internet connection and, if you have one, for phone service over the internet.
  3. Keep or return the provider’s deviceAsk whether you must return a rented router, and whether you keep paying for it.
  4. If the provider refusesAsk for the refusal in writing and contact the regulator or the dispute body.

📇 Who to contact

FjarskiptastofaIceland's telecom regulator. It takes complaints from consumers who think a provider breaks its duties under the telecom rules, tries to settle the dispute quickly and otherwise decides it.📞 +354 510 1500🔗 www.fjarskiptastofa.is
NeytendasamtökinIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 ns.is

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❓ Questions

Will the provider still help me if something goes wrong?

Providers usually support the connection itself, not equipment you bought. Keep their device and settings so you can test with them.

Do I still pay for the provider’s router?

Check your contract. If the router is rented, ask whether you can stop paying when you use your own.

Will my own router make my internet faster?

It can improve your Wi‑Fi, but the speed of the line itself stays the same.

📎 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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