Choosing mobile internet in Estonia can be difficult with so many options in Estonia. This guide compares the major providers – Elisa, Tele2, and Telia – and their plan offerings. Factors like data amounts, speeds, extras, and pricing will be examined. Tips for determining your data needs are also provided. By learning about the various plans, you can select the best mobile internet solution for your usage and budget.
Table of Contents
I. Mobile Internet coverage and speed in Estonia
1. Estonia Mobile Internet Coverage
Mobile network coverage in Estonia is provided by three national operators – Elisa, Tele2 and Telia. According to Opensignal’s analysis:
- For the Availability metric, Telia had the best score of 98.7%, meaning users on Telia’s network had a connection (3G or better) 98.7% of the time.
- Elisa and Telia are joint winners of the 4G Coverage Experience award, which measures the locations where users received a 4G signal relative to all locations visited.
In summary, the report found that Telia had the best availability in terms of time spent connected, while Elisa and Telia were joint leaders for 4G network coverage across visited locations according to OpenSignal’s metrics and analysis. Telia, Elisa, and Tele2 all provided widespread 3G or better coverage nationally based on the coverage maps.
2. Estonia Mobile Internet Speed
Estonia has very good mobile internet speeds according to the Speedtest Global Index:
- National Ranking: Estonia ranks 21st in the world with a median download speed of 100.74 Mbps as of April 2024. Upload speeds were also strong at 30.60 Mbps, compared to the global average of 11.33 Mbps.
- Compared to its neighbors: Estonia has shown steady improvement in its mobile ranking over the past year, moving up 2 places. It also has faster speeds than many Western European countries like France (ranked 25th) and Belgium (ranked 37th).
- City Ranking: Tallinn, the capital city, would rank highly but does not have a specific city ranking. It is on par with Estonia’s national speed metrics.
In summary, Estonia offers very fast mobile internet connectivity across its towns and cities compared to global standards, backed by continued investments in 5G and fiber broadband networks. This strengthens the case for Estonia being one of the most digitally advanced nations in Europe.
II. Mobile Internet in Estonia: Connection Options for Tourists
This table compares the pros, cons, and estimated price range (in USD) of different mobile internet options in Estonia for tourists:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Price Range (USD) |
| Free Wi-Fi | Free, readily available | Slow speed, unsecure, unreliable connection | Free |
| Roaming | Convenient, uses existing phone SIM | Expensive, potential data speed limitations | $10 - $50/day |
| Local SIM Card | Affordable, fast speed, large data packages | Requires SIM purchase, needs SIM swap | $10 - $20/week |
| eSIM | Convenient, easy activation, no SIM swap | Limited eSIM provider options, potentially more expensive than SIM | $10 - $20/week |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Large data allowance, share connection with multiple devices | Requires rental and return, bulky | $10 - $20/day |
eSIM is generally better than physical SIM for tourists due to its convenience. No need to find operators – just download the service digitally. You won’t lose or damage an eSIM. It’s also easy to change plans between countries without swapping cards.
Plus more devices now support eSIM, so it ensures cellular access abroad regardless of your phone. Overall, eSIM’s digital solution removes the hassle of quick connectivity when traveling internationally.
III. Budgeting for Mobile Data Costs in Estonia
The cost of mobile internet in Estonia varies depending on the provider, data allowance, and contract type. However, you can generally expect to pay between €2 and €24 per month for a mobile internet plan.
Be sure to shop around and compare plans from different providers before making a decision.
IV. Best Mobile Operators in Estonia
In Estonia, there are several top mobile operators that you can consider. Here is a brief comparison of the main mobile operators in Estonia, including price range, data, and eSIM availability.
| Mobile Operator | Price Range (Prepaid SIM) | Data | Additional Features |
| Telia | $3 - $10 | 1GB - 20GB | Free calls within network, SMS included |
| Elisa | $5 - $12 | 2GB - Unlimited | Free EU roaming, Video streaming |
| Tele2 | $2 - $8 | 500MB - 10GB | Free music streaming, Social media bonus |
Our Recommendation:
- Tele2 offers budget-friendly options
- Travel frequently within EU? Elisa includes free EU roaming
- Stream a lot? Consider Telia for calls within network or Elisa for video streaming
V. FAQs
What are the main mobile internet providers in Estonia?
The three largest mobile operators in Estonia are Elisa, Tele2, and Telia. They all offer 4G/LTE mobile internet options in Estonia.
How much data do I need each month in Estonia?
It depends on your usage – things like streaming, browsing, apps, and downloads all use data. 1-2GB is typical for light use, 3-5GB for moderate, and 5GB+ for heavy streaming or downloading. Monitor your usage to choose the right plan.
How do I get the best coverage in Estonia?
All three main operators have extensive 4G coverage across Estonia but coverage can vary between operators in some rural areas. Check operator coverage maps to see which has the best coverage for locations you need. Urban coverage is generally excellent nationwide.
VI. Conclusions
In conclusion, this guide has provided an overview of Estonia’s top mobile internet providers and their plan offerings. With options from Elisa, Tele2, and Telia to choose from, assessing your data usage and priorities is key to selecting the right fit. Understanding factors like data amounts, speeds, and pricing will empower you to optimize your mobile internet in Estonia.
