Keeping in Touch in Oslo
Communications
Norway’s ICT sector is highly advanced and cutting edge. Thus it follows that Oslo’s online communication has fantastic reliability and speed. Internet is found everywhere and most hotels, cafes and restaurants have Wi-Fi for their customers. Prices are reasonable and there are many services to choose from. There are over 7,000 providers, but the biggest one is the state-owned Telenor. Others are NextGenTel and Tele2.
Most Norwegians have a cell phone and texting is a common form of communication. Landlines are becoming more rare in private homes, but are still used by most businesses. The main provider is Telenor, which owns the backbone. Other providers are less costly and just as good, such as NetCom, OneCall, Ventelo, Tele2 and Chess. TV is a good way to begin to understand the Norwegian psyche, culture and language. Norway has four national TV stations (NRK1, NRK2, NRK Super and NRK3), but private companies such as TV2 and TVNorge as well as cable channels let you see your favourite shows from back home. Although NRK is state-owned and under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture and Church affairs, there is very little censorship on TV these days. If you have TV you will need to pay a license fee of 2,434 NOK (in 2010). Some statistics:
- 98 % of the population has a TV.
- 19 % have more than three TVs.
- 85 % have a PC at home and 79 % have Internet at home.
- 94 % have mobile telephones
Networking
Networking is extremely important in a small community such as Oslo, especially in business. Expats who come in do not have the network that Norwegians raised in Oslo naturally develop. Often, business relationships, hiring, investment and sales are influenced by one’s professional and personal network.
There are many opportunities for networking in Oslo, especially within the international community. Embassies, national organizations and Chambers of Commerce can be good places to look for clubs or organizations to get involved in. There are many clubs and organizations for expats and foreigners in Oslo. Most of these groups have monthly meetings for members and you are welcome to join as a visitor. Below is a short list:
- NIN (www.ninside.org)
- NewtoOslo (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/New_To_Oslo)
- Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.no)
- Hash House Harriers (www.oslohash.com)
Resources for women:
AWC (www.awcoslo.org/Sections/AboutUs/about_us.htm)
AIPBW (www.aipbw.no)
However, the workplace is an important place to meet others and make connections that will continue throughout your time in Norway. It is also a great place to meet Norwegians and learn more about the culture and society. Socializing at work is nurtured by payday beer evenings and other dinners and parties where spouses are often not invited.
