Connectivity in Estonia: Overview
Estonia is one of the most connected countries in the world:
- Free WiFi everywhere — Parks, buses, most public spaces
- Fast mobile networks — 4G/5G coverage excellent
- Affordable plans — Competitive market
- No contracts required — Prepaid options work great
- eSIM friendly — Modern approach
Mobile Operators
The Big Three
Estonia has three main mobile operators:
Telia
The incumbent, largest network
- Best coverage overall
- Premium pricing
- Excellent customer service
- Most physical stores
- Website: telia.ee
Elisa
Strong alternative, competitive
- Very good coverage
- Slightly lower prices than Telia
- Good customer app
- Popular with younger users
- Website: elisa.ee
Tele2
Budget-friendly option
- Good urban coverage
- Lower prices
- Uses Telia network for roaming
- Best value for basic needs
- Website: tele2.ee
Types of Plans
Prepaid (Kõnekaart)
Best for new arrivals:
- No contract required
- Buy SIM, add credit
- Top up as needed
- Can convert to contract later
How to get:
- Any phone store
- R-Kiosk
- Supermarkets
- Directly from operator stores
Documents needed:
- Passport or ID
- May need Estonian personal code (some stores)
Contract (Leping)
Once you're settled:
Requirements:
- Estonian ID card OR residence permit
- Estonian bank account (for direct debit)
- Personal code (isikukood)
- Sometimes credit check
Benefits:
- Better monthly rates
- Phone subsidies available
- More data/minutes
- Priority customer service
eSIM
Available from all operators:
- Order online
- Activate instantly
- Great for dual-SIM phones
- Tourist-friendly options
Comparing Plans (2024)
Prepaid Rates
| Operator | Basic Plan | Data | Calls/SMS | |----------|-----------|------|-----------| | Telia | €5.99/mo | 5GB | Unlimited | | Elisa | €5.99/mo | 5GB | Unlimited | | Tele2 | €4.99/mo | 5GB | Unlimited |
Contract Plans
| Operator | Mid-Tier | Data | Includes | |----------|----------|------|----------| | Telia | €19.99/mo | 50GB | Unlimited calls, EU roaming | | Elisa | €17.99/mo | 50GB | Unlimited calls, EU roaming | | Tele2 | €14.99/mo | 50GB | Unlimited calls, EU roaming |
Unlimited Data
| Operator | Unlimited Plan | |----------|----------------| | Telia | €29.99/mo | | Elisa | €24.99/mo | | Tele2 | €19.99/mo |
Prices approximate, check current offers
Mobile-ID
What Is It?
Mobile-ID turns your SIM card into a digital identity tool:
- Login to bank
- Sign documents digitally
- Access government services
- Works like ID card, without the reader
Getting Mobile-ID
- Visit operator store with ID card
- Request Mobile-ID enabled SIM
- Set your Mobile-ID PINs
- Activate (may take 24 hours)
Cost: Usually included in plans or €1-2/month
Why You Want It
- Sign contracts from your phone
- Login to banking anywhere
- No card reader needed
- Backup for ID card
Home Internet
Fiber Optic (Kiudoptika)
Most Tallinn apartments have fiber access:
| Provider | 100 Mbps | 500 Mbps | 1 Gbps | |----------|----------|----------|--------| | Telia | €24.99 | €29.99 | €39.99 | | Elisa | €19.99 | €24.99 | €29.99 | | Tele2 | €19.99 | €24.99 | €29.99 |
Check availability:
- Ask building manager
- Check provider websites
- Multiple providers often available
Cable/DSL
Older buildings may have:
- Cable internet (Starman/Elisa)
- DSL (slower, being phased out)
- Check what's installed
Mobile Internet (4G/5G)
Alternative for:
- Short-term stays
- No fixed connection available
- Backup connection
Unlimited mobile plans work well for home use.
Setting Up Home Internet
Process
- Check availability — Enter address on provider website
- Choose plan — Speed vs price
- Order online — Or in store
- Installation — Technician visit (usually free)
- Router provided — Included in most plans
Typical Wait Time
- Fiber (existing): 1-3 days
- New installation: 1-2 weeks
- May be faster or slower depending on building
Equipment
Usually included:
- WiFi router
- All cables
- Installation
You can use your own router if preferred.
TV & Streaming
TV Packages
All operators offer IPTV:
What's included:
- Estonian channels
- International channels
- On-demand content
- Recording features
Typical cost: €10-30/month added to internet
Popular Streaming
Works perfectly in Estonia:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- HBO Max
- Disney+
- Local: Jupiter (Estonian content)
Note on Geo-Restrictions
Some content may differ from home country due to licensing. VPNs work fine.
Free WiFi
Where to Find It
Free WiFi is everywhere:
- Public buses and trams
- Parks and squares
- Shopping centers
- Cafes and restaurants
- Libraries
- Government buildings
Quality: Generally good, especially in newer installations.
WiFi Networks
- tallinn — City's free network (requires registration)
- eduroam — If you have university credentials
- Business WiFi — Usually password on receipt
For Remote Workers
Best Setup
Recommendation for digital nomads:
- Primary: Fiber at home (cheapest per GB)
- Backup: Unlimited mobile data plan
- Coworking: Most have excellent WiFi
Coworking Internet Quality
Major coworking spaces have:
- Gigabit connections
- Backup lines
- Professional networking
- Meeting room connectivity
Cafes for Working
Most cafes have good WiFi:
- Röst (Telliskivi)
- Fotografiska
- NOP
- Kohvik Moon
Tips for New Arrivals
First Day
- Buy prepaid SIM at airport or R-Kiosk
- Top up credit (online or at kiosk)
- Connect to free WiFi in public areas
First Week
- Compare plans for your usage
- Visit operator stores to ask questions
- Set up Mobile-ID (very useful)
After Settlement
- Order home internet if needed
- Consider contract plans (better value long-term)
- Bundle services for discounts
Coverage Quality
In Tallinn
All operators have excellent coverage:
- 4G everywhere
- 5G rolling out (city center first)
- No dead zones in urban areas
Outside Tallinn
- Main roads: Good
- Rural areas: May have spots with weaker signal
- Telia generally best rural coverage
Keeping Your Number
From Another Country
Porting international numbers is complex:
- Generally not possible for mobile
- Consider Google Voice or Skype for old number
- Get Estonian number for local use
Between Estonian Operators
Easy number porting:
- Request port at new operator
- Keep old SIM active during process
- Usually takes 1-3 days
- Free by law
Customer Service
Language Support
All operators offer English:
- Stores in Tallinn center
- Phone support (limited hours)
- Chat support
Store Locations
Telia: Viru Keskus, Kristiine, Ülemiste Elisa: Viru Keskus, Rocca al Mare Tele2: Viru Keskus, Solaris
Useful Vocabulary
| Estonian | English | |----------|---------| | Mobiiltelefon | Mobile phone | | Kõnekaart | Prepaid card | | Leping | Contract | | Andmeside | Data | | Kiudoptika | Fiber optic | | Ruuter | Router | | Parool | Password | | Ühendus | Connection |
Stay connected! 📶