Ambiguities between the Swedish Competition Authority and PTS hamper Sweden as an IT nation

IT&Telecom companies comment on lack of cooperation between the Swedish Competition Authority and PTS

The Swedish Competition Authority and PTS have, separately, studied applications for access to the 900 MHz band, which is of great importance for providing mobile broadband coverage in sparsely populated areas and thus of great importance for Sweden's position as a leading IT nation. PTS has assessed the applications on the basis of the Electronic Communications Act and the considerations of public benefit, conditions for competition and efficient radio use contained therein. The Swedish Competition Authority assesses the matter on the basis of the Competition Act.

IT&Telekomföretagen considers it extremely unfortunate that the two authorities have not found better forms of cooperation in the preparation of the issue. This leads to a loss of confidence in the two authorities, as well as uncertainty in the market, which inhibits investment and undermines confidence in the long-term nature of decisions.

We expect the two authorities to seek ways to coordinate their assessments, so that the ambiguity that has now arisen regarding the conditions for operators is resolved, and does not arise again. Ultimately, it is the government's responsibility to ensure this.

From the point of view of competition, IT&Telekomföretagen is of the opinion that, since there are five competing operators in Sweden - more than in any comparable country - there are good conditions for effective competition on the service side. Competition has also increased through PTS authorization.

It has been reported in the media that 4G is under threat. This is not correct. Operators have already invested over SEK 2 billion for the rollout.