A Guide to Mobile Phone and Internet Providers in Estonia

Welcome to Estonia! That first breath of crisp Baltic air, the sight of medieval spires mixed with sleek modern glass—it’s an incredible feeling. But let's be honest, that initial excitement can be quickly followed by a pang of digital silence. Your phone, once your connection to everything, is now just a pocket-sized camera. In a country as digitally advanced as Estonia, being offline feels like being invisible.

Getting connected here isn't just a convenience; it's your key to unlocking one of the world's most sophisticated digital societies. From signing a rental agreement to verifying your identity for online banking, your phone and internet connection are central to your new life. But where do you start? The choices can seem overwhelming.

Don't worry. As an expat who’s been through it all, I'm here to guide you through the landscape of Estonia’s mobile and internet providers. We'll break down the major players, demystify the plans, and give you the step-by-step process to get online, so you can focus on the important stuff—like finding the best kohvik (café) in your neighbourhood.

Welcome to e-Estonia: More Than Just Fast Internet

Before we dive into the providers, it’s crucial to understand why connectivity is so vital here. Estonia isn't just a country with good Wi-Fi; it's a digital-first nation. The government has built a seamless digital infrastructure known as e-Estonia. Nearly every public and private service can be accessed online, securely and efficiently.

Your Estonian phone number is more than just a way to make calls. It's often linked to your:

• Estonian ID Card: Your official identity document.
• Smart-ID or Mobile-ID: These are digital identity apps that turn your smartphone into a secure tool for logging into bank accounts, signing legal documents, submitting taxes, and even voting online. You’ll use one of them dozens of times a week.

Because of this, choosing the right provider is your first major step toward integrating into Estonian life. The good news? The infrastructure here is world-class. According to the 2024 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), Estonia consistently ranks among the top EU countries for connectivity and digital public services. You can expect fast, reliable service almost everywhere.

The Big Three: Meet Estonia's Main Mobile Providers

In Estonia, the mobile market is dominated by three major players. While they all offer excellent services, they each have slightly different strengths and target audiences. Think of it as choosing between quality, innovation, and value.

Let's break them down a little further.

Telia: The Reliable Giant

Telia is the incumbent provider and has the largest market share in Estonia. Think of it as the premium, "it just works" option. Their biggest selling point is their network coverage, which is often considered the most robust, especially if you plan to explore Estonia's beautiful forests, bogs, and coastal areas. Their customer service is generally top-notch, with good English support available in their main branches (esindus) and over the phone. They also offer excellent home internet and TV packages, making them a great one-stop shop.

Elisa: The Innovative Challenger

Elisa is a major competitor known for pushing the envelope with technology and entertainment. They were very aggressive with their 5G rollout and often have unique offerings, like the "Elisa Raamat" e-book subscription service or bundling streaming services like Go3 or Viaplay into their packages. Their network is excellent in urban areas and along major transport routes. If you're a heavy media consumer, Elisa’s bundled deals can offer fantastic value.

Tele2: The Budget Champion

Tele2 has built its brand on being the most affordable option without significantly compromising on quality. They often have the most aggressive pricing, offering huge data packages for very competitive rates. While their network coverage might have historically lagged behind Telia in the most remote areas, this gap has closed significantly in recent years. For most expats living and working in cities like Tallinn, Tartu, or Pärnu, Tele2's network is more than sufficient. If your priority is getting the most gigabytes for your euros, Tele2 is likely your best bet.

Prepaid (Kõnekaart) vs. Contract (Leping): What's Right for You?

This is the first big decision you'll have to make. Your choice will likely depend on how long you plan to stay in Estonia and whether you have your Estonian ID card and personal code (isikukood) yet.

Prepaid SIM Card (Kõnekaart)

A prepaid card is the perfect starting point for any new arrival.

• Pros:
  • No Commitment: Use it for a week, a month, or a year.
  • Easy to Get: You can buy a starter kit for €1-€5 at any R-Kiosk, supermarket (like Selver or Rimi), or provider store.
  • Simple Registration: To activate it, you'll need to register it with your passport. This can often be done online or at an official store.
• Cons:
  • Slightly Higher Cost Per GB: You generally get less data for your money compared to a contract.
  • Can't Be Used for Mobile-ID: The highest level of digital signature, Mobile-ID, requires a contract plan.

How to get it: Walk into an R-Kiosk, ask for a "Telia/Elisa/Tele2 kõnekaart," pay a few euros, and follow the simple activation instructions. You can top up online, via a mobile app, or by buying vouchers from the same stores.

Postpaid Contract (Leping)

Once you're settled and have your Estonian ID card, switching to a contract is almost always the better long-term option.

• Pros:
  • Better Value: Significantly more data, calls, and texts for your money.
  • Enables Mobile-ID: This is a huge benefit for navigating e-Estonia.
  • Convenience: Automatic monthly billing to your Estonian bank account.
  • Phone Subsidies: You can often get a new smartphone with a 24-month payment plan.
• Cons:
  • Requires an Isikukood: You cannot sign a contract without your official Estonian personal identification code.
  • Commitment: Most contracts are for 12 or 24 months, though more flexible no-term options are becoming available.

How to get it: Visit a provider's store with your Estonian ID card and, in some cases, proof of an Estonian bank account. The staff will walk you through the options and set you up on the spot.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Connected

1. Day 1 (Pre-ID Card): Get a Prepaid SIM. Upon arrival, make a beeline for an R-Kiosk at the airport or in the city. Grab a prepaid starter pack from any of the big three. This will get you online immediately so you can use maps, message family, and start your setup process.
2. First Few Weeks (Post-ID Card): Choose a Contract. Once you have your official ID card and have opened an Estonian bank account, it's time to upgrade. Review the plans from Telia, Elisa, and Tele2 online (their websites all have English versions). Visit a store of your chosen provider to sign the contract.
3. Activate Your Digital Identity: When signing your contract, ask the representative to help you set up Smart-ID. This is a free app and the most common digital identity tool. You'll link it to your new SIM card and bank account. For an even more integrated option, you can request Mobile-ID, which has a small monthly fee (around €1) and is embedded directly onto your SIM card.

Don't Forget Home Internet!

Your mobile data will be fast, but for a stable connection at home for work, streaming, and video calls, you'll need a fixed-line internet connection (püsiühendus).

The main players are the same: Telia, Elisa, and Tele2. The process is straightforward:

1. Check Availability: Go to each provider's website and enter your new address. Their systems will tell you what type of connection (fiber-optic, cable, 4G/5G home solution) is available at your building. Fiber-optic (valguskaabel) is the gold standard, offering symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbit/s.
2. Choose a Plan: Plans are typically based on speed. A solid plan with 100-300 Mbit/s will cost around €25-€40 per month. Most providers offer bundles that include TV channels and/or a home phone line.
3. Schedule Installation: After you sign up online or in-store, you'll schedule an appointment for a technician to come and set everything up. Expat Tip: This can sometimes take a week or two, so it's a good idea to start this process as soon as you have your signed rental agreement.

Final Tips from One Expat to Another

• English is Common: Don't be afraid to walk into a store in Tallinn or Tartu. Customer service staff at the major branches almost always speak excellent English.
• Check Coverage Maps: If you're moving to a more rural area, take a moment to check the providers' online coverage maps (leviala kaart) to see who has the strongest signal at your new home.
• EU Roaming is Included: Thanks to EU regulations, all plans include "Roam Like at Home," meaning you can use your data, calls, and texts in any other EU country at no extra cost. Perfect for a weekend trip to Riga or Helsinki!
• Public Wi-Fi is Everywhere: In cities, you'll find free, high-quality Wi-Fi in cafes, shopping centers, public squares, and even on some public transport.

Getting your digital life sorted is one of the first and most empowering steps you'll take as an expat in Estonia. It’s the moment you transition from a visitor to a resident, fully equipped to engage with this dynamic and forward-thinking society.

So, choose your provider, get that SIM card, and dive in. Welcome to the future—it's incredibly well-connected.