Mobile and internet access are essential for daily life in Sweden. This article explains the available options and how to get connected.
Connectivity in Sweden
Connectivity in Sweden is generally reliable and widely available. Around 96% of the population uses the internet, and fixed broadband coverage is among the highest in Europe, reaching over 80% of households. Mobile connectivity is equally widespread, with nationwide 4G coverage and rapidly expanding 5G coverage. For most people, internet access is an everyday utility.
Home internet in Sweden
In many Swedish apartment buildings, internet access is already set up at the building level and often included in the rent or housing fee. When you rent an apartment, the connection is usually already in place under the owner's agreement, and you simply use the existing service or activate it through the approved provider.
Because arranging broadband yourself usually requires a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer), which can take time to receive after moving to Sweden, it's important to confirm with the landlord whether internet is already included before signing a lease.
Your broadband company in Sweden is determined by the building rather than the tenant. Many apartment buildings are connected to a specific network or provider, which means you are limited to the services already installed. Major broadband providers include Telia, Tele2, and Telenor, with fiber speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps common in urban areas. Home internet prices in Sweden vary by provider and speed, but monthly costs typically range from around 300 to 600 SEK for fiber connections. In many apartment buildings, the internet is included in the rent or housing fee.
Mobile phones and the internet in Sweden
When it comes to mobile phones, you may choose between a monthly postpaid line and a prepaid package. In case you wish to use your foreign phone number on your arrival in Sweden, make sure to inquire about related fees and other conditions from your service provider.
Monthly mobile plans are most common but require a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) and usually range between 200 and 400 SEK, depending on the amount of data required, and can be purchased at the mobile provider's retail shops. For newcomers, it is best to start with a prepaid card and switch to a monthly plan as soon as you are able. Coverage is strong nationwide with 4G and 5G networks. These SIM cards can be purchased easily upon arrival at airports, convenience stores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and directly from mobile operators. The prices of these are similar to the monthly plan.
The postal service in Sweden
Sweden no longer relies on traditional post offices. Most postal services are handled through service points located inside convenience stores, supermarkets, and petrol stations, where you can send and collect letters or parcels. These service points follow the opening hours of the host store.
Parcel delivery is largely managed by PostNord and is app-based. Using the PostNord app, you can track deliveries, receive notifications, choose pickup locations, and unlock parcel lockers.
Physical letters are now relatively uncommon. Most official correspondence is delivered through digital mailboxes such as Kivra, which is widely used for government notices, banking, healthcare, and bills (which can be set up with your personnummer). When physical letters are delivered, they usually go to shared or individual letterboxes in apartment buildings or along residential streets.
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