Updated October 13, 2026 · NomadCue Editorial Team
ice vs Telcel
ice
Higher score in this comparison
Telcel
What sets them apart
| Compare | iceReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | TelcelReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Ice (own network), Telenor | Telcel |
| Price from | NOK 199 | Not confirmed |
| Countries covered | 63 | Not confirmed |
| Unlimited data | No | Not confirmed |
| Reference plan prices | Roaming data package added to a Norwegian subscription, valid 30 days: 1 GB NOK 199, 4 GB NOK 399, 15 GB NOK 499 (15 GB only in US, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey); EU/EEA incl. UK roaming included in all plans at no extra cost; Japan, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico and US all covered outside EU/EEA | Not confirmed |
| Fair use policy | Roaming data spend is capped at NOK 500 per month (adjustable in the ice app); data packages last 30 days or until the data is used up; the unlimited-data iceMax plan in Norway is throttled to 3 Mbit/s above 100 GB per month | Not confirmed |
| Top-ups | Yes | Not confirmed |
Same on both: 5G (Yes), Seller type (Carrier).
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Key differences
- Networks: only ice offers Ice (own network), Telenor.
- Networks: only Telcel offers Telcel.
- Features: only ice offers Instant activation, Carrier plan.
Our verdict on each
ice
ice is a Norwegian carrier option that suits people already holding a Norwegian subscription who want to add roaming rather than buy a travel eSIM. Packages start at NOK 199 and cover 63 countries, with fair-use rules that limit heavy roaming.
Telcel
Telcel centers on the Telcel network with 5G among its features for everyday mobile use. It works as a carrier choice for buyers who prefer a clearly named network and who will confirm phone support plus coverage around home, work and frequent routes before choosing.
Score breakdown
| Area | ice | Telcel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.2 | Not confirmed |
| Offer | 8.9HigherOffer rests on roaming packages from NOK 199, 63 countries and no unlimited data, so heavy data users get a capped deal. | 8.8 |
| Trust | Not confirmed | 9.8 |
How they place
| Ranking | ice | Telcel |
|---|---|---|
| Travel SIMs and eSIMs | 419 of 926 | 789 of 926 |
| Travel eSIMs | 424 of 918 | 789 of 918 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | ice | Telcel |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 5G, Instant activation, Carrier planCovers more | 5G |
| Legal entity | Lyse Tele AS | Radiomovil Dipsa, S.A. de C.V. |
| Headquarters | Norway | Mexico |
| Founded | Not confirmed | 1984 |
| Support channels | Chat, Phone, Help centre | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | ice | Telcel | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countries covered | 63below the median | Not confirmed | 120 |
Median across 492 listed travel providers.
Pros and cons
ice
Pros
- Roaming packages are added to an existing Norwegian subscription, so no separate travel eSIM purchase is needed
- Packages start at NOK 199, and larger data tiers are listed, with the biggest tier limited to the US, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Thailand and Turkey
- Roaming in the EU/EEA including the UK is included in all plans at no extra cost
Cons
- Unlimited data: no, so heavy users need to watch their roaming spend
- Fair use policy caps roaming data spend at a monthly limit that is adjustable in the ice app, and data packages run for a fixed period or until the data is used up
- Coverage of 63 countries trails travel eSIMs that reach 200
Telcel
Pros
- Operates as a carrier connected through the Telcel network
- Includes 5G as part of its feature set
Who each suits
ice
Who it suits
- Norwegian mobile customers who already pay ice for a home subscription
- Travellers heading to Japan, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico or the US, which are covered outside the EU/EEA
- Short trips to the EU/EEA and the UK, where roaming is included at no extra cost
Who should look elsewhere
- Travellers who need a global list, since 63 countries is fewer than Zwitchy's 200
- Anyone buying purely as a travel eSIM, because the roaming packages sit on top of a Norwegian subscription rather than standing alone
- Heavy data users who want unlimited data, since unlimited data is no here and roaming spend is capped by the fair use policy
Telcel
Who it suits
- People who prefer carrier supplied service
- People who want 5G capability included
Current offers
ice
Current offer
Bonus
Free Nokia 3210 with smartphone purchase: Nokia 3210, stated value NOK 990
Applies to all smartphones bought at ice, limited stock
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Country by country
| Country | ice | Telcel |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | Yes | No |
Questions about each
ice
What does a roaming data package from ice cost?+
Packages start at NOK 199, and larger data tiers are listed alongside it. The biggest tier is limited to the US, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Thailand and Turkey, so the full range of packages is not offered in every covered country.
How long is an ice roaming package valid?+
Each roaming data package runs for a fixed period, or until the data is used up, whichever comes first. Packages are added to a Norwegian subscription rather than bought as a standalone travel eSIM, and the roaming cap is adjustable in the app.
Telcel
What does Telcel offer?+
Telcel functions as a carrier linked with the Telcel network for everyday mobile use. 5G forms part of its feature set. That combination shapes this option for buyers reviewing network sourced choices.
Who is this carrier option for?+
This option fits buyers who prefer carrier supplied service with a clearly named network. It also fits buyers who value 5G capability as part of daily use. Checking phone compatibility and expected coverage helps align the choice with habits.
Other options to compare
Telcel