Estonia Mobile Operators: Which One is the Best?

Estonia has a competitive mobile market with multiple providers, leading to excellent connectivity given the small nation size. Operator selection depends on usage – whether at home or abroad – and considering performance, price, coverage, support and extras. This comparative review evaluates Estonia’s main carriers to help you choose the best fit for your unique needs and requirements. Estonia’s open competition drives high quality networks and choices for customers.

1. List of Mobile Operators in Estonia

Estonia hosts various MNOs and MVNOs that provide cell phone and data services. The three facilities-based providers control the market and some small resellers lease network access.

1.1. Main Mobile Operators in Estonia

The three major Estonia mobile operators with their own infrastructure in Estonia are:

• Telia Eesti: Part of Swedish telecom giant Telia Company, Telia has the best overall coverage in Estonia and focuses heavily on 4G/LTE services.

• Tele2 Eesti: A subsidiary of Tele2 Group, Tele2 boasts the fastest mobile broadband speeds in the country. It has invested significantly in 4G and emerging 5G networks.

• Elisa Eesti: Elisa Group’s Estonian arm offers competitive rates, especially for family plans and long-term contracts. The company is rapidly deploying 5G in major cities.

These three MNOs control over 98% of the Estonian mobile market in terms of subscribers. Their networks combine nationwide coverage through extensive sharing agreements to reach even remote areas.

1.2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Estonia

Currently mobile virtual network operators do not function in Estonia as of November 2023. Although some MVNO projects came up in the past, they had minimal penetration in the market.

Notwithstanding, the population in Estonia is also small in comparison to the mobile market here. This probably makes it harder for MVNOs to be able to compete and differentiate themselves.

2. How to Choose the Best Mobile Operator in Estonia

Here are a few tips for choosing the best Estonia mobile operator:

• Compare network coverage – Check Estonia mobile carriers coverage map to see which operators have the strongest signal in the areas you’ll be using your phone most like home, work, and places you frequently visit. The three main operators in Estonia are Elisa, Tele2, and Telia.
• Check available plans and prices – Look at what’s included in starter plans like data, minutes, and texts and how much they cost each month. Consider options for adding on extras if needed. Prepaid plans may be cheaper for lighter users.
• Ask about 5G availability – 5G networks are expanding but coverage is still limited. Check which operators currently offer 5G and in which cities/regions.
• Customer service reputation – Read reviews online to get a sense of how reliable and helpful each operator’s customer support is when issues arise. Problems tend to happen and this can impact your experience.
• Extras and perks – Some operators offer bonuses like bundled streaming subscriptions, WiFi hotspots around the country, or international roaming benefits. Consider what extras would be useful.
• Check contract details – Familiarize yourself with contract lengths, penalties for early cancellation, phone upgrade policies and payment options like automatic billing. Avoid surprises.
• Try different SIM cards – Getting a prepaid SIM from each operator you’re considering allows you to personally test coverage and customer service.

Doing thorough research will help you choose the Estonia mobile operator that best meets your specific needs and budget. Service may vary street by street so testing yourself is wise.

3. Best Mobile Operators in Estonia – Detailed Comparison

The three major Estonia mobile operators are Telia, Elisa, and Tele2. These all have different mobile phone and Internet plans that come with prepaid and postpaid packages.

• Telia – The major mobile operator in Estonia is Telia and it has a market share of over forty percent. They provide the largest network coverage consisting of 4G and 5G services available in most major cities across the country. Although Telia’s plans are mainly costlier than rivals, they provide more data and speed.
• Elisa is the number two mobile operator in Estonia, owning about 30% of the market. These firms often give the same kind of network coverage that we find in Telia at reasonable prices. Elisa is a little bit slower compared to Telia, but both speeds are sufficient for most users.
• Tele2 has the smallest share of approximately 20% in the Estonian mobile market. They are the cheapest, but their network coverage is only half of what Telia’s and Elisa’s are. Tele2 is are also among the three operators, their speeds being the slowest but satisfactory for basic internet access.

Here is a detailed comparison of the three mobile operators in Estonia:

Overall, Telia is the best Estonia mobile operator for most users. They offer the widest network coverage, the fastest speeds, and the most data. However, if you are on a budget, Elisa or Tele2 may be a better option for you.

4. Where to Buy SIM Cards from Estonia Mobile Operators?

Here are some good options for where to buy SIM cards from the major Estonia mobile operators:

• Directly from operator stores: All operators have stores in major cities where you can get SIM cards, set up plans, and get in-person assistance. Elisa, Tele2 and Telia stores are located in Tallinn, Tartu and other cities.
• Convenience stores: Many R-Kiosk, Latvi Kiosk and Stockmann stores stock prepaid SIM cards from the operators that can be purchased without a plan.
• Online operator websites: Elisa, Tele2 and Telia allow ordering prepaid and postpaid SIM cards on their Estonian websites to be delivered within a few days.
• Airports/ferry terminals: The international airports in Tallinn (TLL) and Pärnu (PUU) have SIM card kiosks where you can purchase on arrival. Ferries from Helsinki and Stockholm also sell some.
• Package delivery shops: If ordering online, SIM cards can be delivered and then picked up from R-Kiosk, Omniva and DPD parcel machines around the country. 
• Mobile phone stores: Specialty phone stores such as jaam ja mobiil carry all operator options. Helpful for compatability advice.
• Large electronics stores: Places like Rahva Raamat and Computer City that sell phones often stock SIM starters as well.

Going direct to an operator store for the best guidance or ordering online ahead of your trip for convenience. All major convenience stores and transport hubs are reliable for prepaid options too.

5. Do Mobile Operators in Estonia Offer eSIM?

Yes, some Estonia mobile operators now offer eSIM support:

• Elisa was the first operator to introduce eSIM capabilities in Estonia. They support eSIM on many iPhone models as well as selected Android phones.
• Tele2 ele2 Estonia launched eSIM support for contractual packages. They work with Apple devices and some Samsung Galaxy phones.
• Telia also rolled out eSIM activation for iOS and Android smartphone Estonian users. Coverage is similar focusing on newer iPhone and Samsung models.

To use eSIM with any operator, you’ll need a compatible smartphone like a newer iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S/Note series. Check the Estonia eSIM Compatible Devices List.

Stay connected in Estonia hassle-free with an eSIM from esimestonia.net. Get affordable 4G/5G data packaged by day with no roaming fees. Order online now to avoid running out of data abroad.

6. FAQs about Estonia Mobile Operators

7. Conclusion

Estonia has highly advanced mobile networks due to intensive infrastructure investment and competitive operators. All major Estonia mobile operator – Telia, Tele2, and Elisa – offer stellar LTE performance. However, each has their niche: Telia for nationwide coverage, Tele2 for speed, and Elisa for families. Estonia’s open market allows finding the best fit based on usage like streaming, travel or rural access. Evaluating carriers this way will deliver your desired connectivity experience now and as 5G develops.