Important Information Regarding Calls to the 112 Emergency Service

Backup Emergency Number

If you are unable to connect to 112, or if your call is affected by poor audio quality or is disconnected, you may instead call +354 599 0112

Please note that calls to this number are handled as ordinary telephone calls. They do not receive the same priority as 112 emergency calls, nor do they automatically transmit caller location information to emergency services.

Always try calling 112 first. Only use the alternative number if you cannot connect to 112 or if the call quality makes communication impossible.

Other alternatives - 112 app / Online Chat / SMS

In addition 112 suggests using the 112 app or the online chat as a way to contact 112 if needed. These enable users to send photos and location data and facilitates translation if needed.

The app can be downloaded through our webpage or in the relevant app store.

SMS can also be sent to 112 but to a more limited degree.

What changed?

Iceland has recently become the first country in Europe to complete the nationwide retirement of its legacy 2G and 3G mobile networks and now relies entirely on 4G and 5G mobile infrastructure.

As a result of this transition, some mobile phones may experience difficulties connecting to the 112 emergency service. This applies in particular to older models and some phones purchased outside of Iceland.

These issues may include:

• Inability to connect to 112
• Poor audio quality or interference during the call
• Calls being disconnected unexpectedly

The Electronic Communications Office of Iceland (Fjarskiptastofa), Iceland’s mobile network operators and Neyðarlínan (Iceland’s Emergency Response Centre) are working together to identify and resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

Check Whether Your Phone Is Affected

To help users determine whether their mobile phone can still make emergency calls following the shutdown of the 2G and 3G networks, an automated test service has been established.

Simply call:1280

This service allows you to verify whether your phone can successfully place emergency calls after the transition.

Please do not test your phone by calling 112. Test calls place an unnecessary burden on emergency operators and may delay assistance for people with genuine emergencies.

Experiencing Problems?

If your phone is unable to connect to 112, even though it works normally for other calls, please contact your mobile service provider or the retailer from whom you purchased your phone.

How You Can Help

Some people may find it difficult to understand or adapt to these technological changes.

You can help by:

• Sharing this information with family members, friends and neighbours.
• Assisting anyone who may need help contacting 112.
• Helping people update or replace older mobile phones if necessary.
• Assisting with contacting mobile service providers or phone retailers.
• Informing people about the alternative emergency number +354 599 0112.

Groups That May Need Additional Assistance

Neyðarlínan has identified several groups who may be particularly affected by these changes and encourages the public to offer assistance where needed:

• Older people
• Children
• Tourists
• People with reduced physical and mental capacity.
• Foreign nationals and recent immigrants

Further Information

Further information about the nationwide retirement of the 2G and 3G networks is available at the Electronic Communication Office website at www.fjarskiptastofa.is/lokun