🏢Coworking spaces in Norway: stable internet and call etiquette 💻

Coworking spaces in Norway are all about embracing video calls, and the rules are as easy as 1-2-3: keep your neighbours happy and don't let your data get in trouble. For important meetings, it's definitely worth using Ethernet or, at the very least, sitting closer to a 5 GHz access point. In this article, we'll tell you how to choose a space for video calls, where to find quiet zones and phone booths, what security settings to enable, and what to bring with you to ensure your calls go smoothly and without awkward moments.

How to choose a coworking space for video calls?

Look at three things: infrastructure (phone booths/meeting rooms, Ethernet, power outlets), network metrics (stable uplink, low jitter during prime time), and call policy (in open space/only in booths). Get a day pass and run a 5–10 minute test call during rush hour. If the network is stable at your location, a subscription is justified. Plus, ask about a "quiet floor" and discounts on meeting rooms for residents.

When should you use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi?

If you have critical calls, editing, demos or recording, go for a cable. Ethernet gives you minimal ping and predictable upload speeds, and is resistant to interference from neighbours and kitchen microwaves. Temporary life hack: a short cable to your desk + a USB-Ethernet adapter. Even with good Wi-Fi, keep a cable as a "red button" — switch to it in a second if the connection starts to drop.

How to find a "quiet zone" or phone booth?

Look for phone booths, meeting rooms with good soundproofing, and "library/quiet" areas on the floor plan. In open spaces, choose places with your back to the wall, away from the kitchen and passageways, closer to the window (better signal). Book booths through the app/reception and allow 10–15 minutes between meetings — this will save you from overlapping.

What is the accepted etiquette for video calls?

In short: always use headphones, keep the camera at eye level, ensure a neutral background, and turn off notifications and annoying sounds. Speak in a normal tone — the noise-cancelling microphone is working for you. In the open space, long calls should only be made in booths/meeting rooms. Respect the schedule: vacate rooms on time and ventilate booths. Let your colleague know if you need to switch to audio while on the road.

What are the basic security settings?

Only connect to the official SSID and check the captive portal. Turn on VPN (if it's company policy), disable shared folders, and set AirDrop/Quick Share to "on request." Set WPA2/WPA3 on personal access points and monitor automatic connections to "familiar" networks. Auto-lock screen, password manager, and short browser sessions are a must.

How to work with large files (clouds/cache)?

Plan uploads before or after prime time, keep local caches (offline files) and enable selective synchronisation. For demos, use local copies rather than streaming from the cloud. If you need to upload gigabytes, ask about a wired port or dedicated bandwidth (some coworking spaces offer this service). During calls, close cloud clients — they tend to eat up uplink bandwidth.

How to agree on recording/confidentiality?

Clarify internal rules: recording is usually allowed in rooms, but not in open spaces. Inform participants about recording and check that no other people's screens or faces are visible in the frame. For NDA materials, use curtains and a privacy screen. When finished, delete local recordings, transfer them to corporate storage, and empty the recycle bin.

What to bring: headset/stand/cable?

Mini kit: noise-cancelling headset, USB-Ethernet adapter + short Cat6 cable, power supply, power bank, foldable camera stand at eye level, and spare cable for the headset. A webcam cover sticker and screen wipes are small items that can come in handy. If you present frequently, carry a compact lapel microphone.

How to resolve conflicts with noisy neighbours?

First, try a friendly gesture: headphones + eye contact + a "quiet/excuse me" gesture. If that doesn't help, contact the administrator: most coworking spaces have a quiet zone policy and a rule that "long conversations should be held in booths." Don't get into an argument in the open space — it will only increase the noise. Move to a "quiet" area or book a room.

Are there any night/early morning "windows" with better quality?

Yes. Before 10:00 and after 16:30, the airwaves are usually quieter: lower Wi-Fi load and fewer neighbouring streams. If you work with other time zones, plan heavy uploads/demos for these windows and reserve booths in advance. Don't schedule long calls right at the beginning or end of the working day — admins may close rooms for cleaning or technical work.

How can I check the network before purchasing a subscription?

Get a day pass and run: 1) three speed tests during prime time, 2) a short video call in a booth and in an open space, 3) a cable test. Ask the reception desk about the call policy and meeting room reservations. If the uplink regularly drops out and the booths are always busy, look for an alternative.

How to combine coworking Wi-Fi and mobile backup?

Keep your secondary eSIM turned on: when the Wi-Fi is slow, switch your data to your mobile network or switch to audio. Set up a quick scenario: "turn Wi-Fi on/off" on your keyboard/phone and a message "Reconnecting, 2 minutes" in the buffer. Practice how many seconds it takes you to get back online.

The ideal call in a coworking space is a combination of the right place, basic digital hygiene, and a ready-made plan B. Make sure you check your uplink during prime time, book a booth, keep Ethernet and a mobile backup handy, and you won't be bothered by a noisy kitchen or congested Wi-Fi.

We would love to hear from you if you spot any inaccuracies or updates to the coworking rules or network practices. Just write to us via the feedback form in the directory and we'll check and update the article as soon as we can. And don't hold back — share your "quiet" addresses and life hacks in the comments! We're here to help each other work comfortably, so let's do this!