📱eSIM in Norway for working on the go: so Zoom doesn't let you down

Norway has excellent 4G/5G coverage, making it a perfect choice for stable video calls. The key here is predictability: low ping, low jitter and no dropouts. This ensures a seamless experience, allowing you to enjoy crystal-clear conversations without any interruptions. Amazing news – if you only have 1-2 calls a day, a light package and basic settings will absolutely suffice! If you have 3-5 meetings a day, you're in luck! Just think about getting a backup: a second eSIM/roaming and quick switch to a hotspot. I'm excited to share with you the super-simple steps to choose an eSIM for Zoom/Meet, calculate GB, check stability, and put together a "plan B". This will make sure that, no matter if you're by the fjord or in a concrete house, you never have to worry about a call being disrupted.

Which eSIM should you choose for HD video calls?

Focus on four criteria: coverage in your locations; VoLTE/VoWiFi support and tethering allowed; "unlimited" conditions (often after N GB, the speed is cut); easy activation/profile transfer. Prepaid 7–30-day packages are convenient for short trips, while local eSIMs with top-ups and "buy extra GB" are ideal for relocations. Check the 5G frequency/band compatibility of your phone — this directly affects the stability of HD calls.

How much GB do you need for 2–3 Zoom meetings per day?

Rough guidelines: SD ~0.5–0.7 GB/hour; 720p ~1–1.5 GB/hour; 1080p ~1.8–2.5 GB/hour. For 2×60-minute HD calls, plan for 2–3 GB/day (14–20 GB/week), for 3 meetings — 3–5 GB/day (20–35 GB/week). Add 20–30% for screen sharing and background processes. If your schedule is flexible, choose a tariff with flexible GB top-ups and keep a second eSIM with a small package as a backup.

How to check stability: ping, jitter, losses?

Take three measurements (morning/afternoon/evening) at the location of the future call. Target: ping ≤ 80 ms, jitter ≤ 30 ms, losses ≤ 1–2%; upload ≥ 3–5 Mbit/s for 720p. Check the option by a window/outside and during prime time. If the metrics are unstable, plan a backup channel (second eSIM/hotspot) and consider sitting closer to the router or enabling VoWiFi.

What is more important for calls: megabits or latency?

For voice video calls, latency and stability are more important than peak download speeds. 30–50 Mbps is useless with 80 ms jitter and 5% packet loss. Stable upload speed is key: maintain 3–5 Mbps without drops for 720p, higher for 1080p. Check how the network behaves when switching between cells (on the move) — frequent "sticky" connections disrupt smoothness.

How to set up a hotspot and not "burn" your data plan?

Only turn on the hotspot for the duration of the meeting, set a complex password and (if available) 5 GHz. On a laptop: pause updates, stop synchronisation, close cloud services. In Zoom/Meet, disable HD at the first signs of degradation. Keep a charger/power bank handy — hotspots are power hungry. After the call, immediately turn off the access point so that background processes don't eat up your data.

What backup should you keep: a second eSIM or roaming?

Ideally, a second eSIM from an alternative operator with a 5–10 GB data plan that is not active. In a critical moment, one tap and the data goes through the backup. Plus, you can roam your home number for voice calls and banking SMS. Check in advance: is tethering allowed on both eSIMs and are there any hidden speed restrictions on the "backup" profile?

Will it work in a rorbu/concrete house?

Often yes, but the signal is weaker indoors. Life hacks: move to a window/higher floor, use VoWiFi and sit closer to the router. Place your mobile router near a window and connect your laptop via Wi-Fi or cable. Repeaters/amplifiers should only be used in accordance with local regulations and operator recommendations; a good location and VoWiFi are usually sufficient.

How to save traffic without losing quality?

Disable HD and dynamic backgrounds, turn off the camera when you are not talking. Share only the necessary windows. Pause updates and synchronisation, disable auto- s and media in messengers. Enable "data saver" in the system. Stability is often more important than pixels — steady 720p is better than jerky 1080p.

Compatibility: iPhone/Android and dual-SIM

Check for eSIM and dual-SIM/dual-standby support. Assign data to the local eSIM and voice/SMS to your home number (for OTP). Enable VoLTE/VoWiFi. On iOS, check "Cellular Data → Data Plan → Active SIM"; on Android, check "Network & Internet → SIM → Data/SMS Priority". Be sure to test: incoming SMS code from the bank, outgoing call, and short video call.

What to do if there is no network connection right before a call?

Quick algorithm (2–3 minutes): 1) turn airplane mode on/off (15 seconds); 2) switch data to a backup eSIM; 3) connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network and turn on VoWiFi; 4) restart the call app; 5) Go to a window/go upstairs; 6) As a last resort, use a hotspot from another device. After that, go through a long checklist: reset network settings, update APN/eSIM, contact your operator.

Security of calls "from the street": public networks

For important calls, your own hotspot is more reliable. If you have to use public Wi-Fi: turn on VPN, disable file sharing, avoid logging into banking/corporate services, and turn on your firewall. Use headphones — it's more private and the sound is better. Remember: eSIM/hotspots are usually more stable and secure than free Wi-Fi.

How to conduct field testing (template)?

Record the date, location, operator, eSIM profile, radio type (4G/5G), ping, jitter, losses, down/up, call scenario (SD/HD, 1:1/group), and notes. Take at least three measurements at different times of the day and compare the primary/backup eSIM and Wi-Fi. This will quickly identify the "best places" and times for calls.

Will VoWiFi help? Yes, especially in rorbu/concrete buildings with weak LTE inside.

Working remotely in Norway is an incredibly rewarding experience! 4G/5G covers cities and many routes, and with the right eSIM and a well-thought-out backup plan, your calls will go smoothly — whether you're on the waterfront in Trondheim or on the terrace of a rorbu. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! With quick field tests, super-fast upload speeds, a second eSIM and a backup plan, you'll transform your trip into a productive week of crystal-clear audio and smooth, steady video.

We would love to hear from you if you spot any inaccuracies or if there are any updates to rates, coverage or settings. We'd absolutely love to hear from you via the feedback form in the catalogue. We'll check the information and update the article as soon as possible. And, of course, we'd absolutely love to hear your experience in the comments! Your tips and questions will make this guide even more accurate and useful!