Iceland’s Emergency Response Centre introduces an alternative emergency number +354 599 0112

The nationwide shutdown of legacy mobile networks has now been completed, with 4G and 5G networks fully replacing older technologies. Iceland has therefore possibly become the first country in Europe to complete this transition on a nationwide basis.

Following the shutdown, it has become apparent that some mobile phones, particularly older models and certain devices purchased abroad may experience difficulties connecting to the emergency number 112.

Please see the guidance available on the 112 website.

The Electronic Communications Office of Iceland (Fjarskiptastofa), Iceland’s Emergency Response Centre (Neyðarlínan) and Icelandic mobile network operators are working together to identify the cause of the issue and implement solutions as quickly as possible.

The problems may include:

• Inability to connect to 112
• Calls failing to go through
• Poor audio quality or interference during calls
• Calls being unexpectedly disconnected

If you are unable to reach 112, or if your call is disconnected due to technical issues, you can call the backup number: +354 599 0112

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

In an emergency, always try calling 112 first. The backup number should only be used if 112 cannot be reached or communication is impossible due to technical connection problems.

Neyðarlínan also points out that 112 can be contacted through the 112 app or via web chat at https://www.112.is. These options can be particularly useful when location information or language barriers present challenges. They allow users to share photos and their location, and also provide translation support between languages when needed. It is also possible to send an SMS to 112, although this offers more limited functionality than the app or web chat.

Do not test your phone by calling 112

Please do not test your phone by calling 112. Test calls increase the workload of emergency dispatchers and may delay assistance to people facing genuine emergencies.

Instead, use the dedicated test number 1280 to verify that your phone can place emergency calls.

Help those who may be affected

ECOI and Neyðarlínan encourage everyone to assist people who may have difficulty adapting to these technological changes.

You can help by:

• Sharing this information with family, friends and neighbours.
• Assisting someone who needs to contact 112.
• Helping people update or replace older mobile phones.
• Advising them to contact their mobile service provider or phone retailer for assistance.
• Informing them about the backup number +354 599 0112.

According to Neyðarlínan, the following groups may require particular assistance:

• Older people
• Children
• Tourists
• People with physical or cognitive disabilities
• Foreign nationals and recent immigrants

More information about the nationwide 3G network shutdown is available on ECOI's information page.