Who takes responsibility for the Swedish broadband rollout model?

Digital infrastructure Digitization

Jenny Jewert writes in DN today about the broadband challenges faced by village associations and about the state passing on an unreasonable responsibility to non-profit organizations. I really agree with her, and am pleased that the issue is now being raised from several quarters. From the IT & Telecom Companies' side, we have raised the problems that Jenny describes on several occasions, most recently in our consultation response to the government report Broadband for Sweden into the Future.

The efforts of the village associations that today voluntarily invest their own time and resources and receive partial government support are commendable. But is it reasonable that Sweden should rely on these local enthusiasts when building our digital infrastructure? How do we ensure that the infrastructure of village associations is future-proof and of the right quality? And how should we deal with areas where no enthusiasts live?

Providing a well-developed digital infrastructure is an urgent and central issue for Sweden and a prerequisite for continued good growth, a functioning and innovative business community and general welfare. Not least, for the individual rural resident, it is about being able to participate in our society on reasonable terms - which today requires access to digital services, both at home and at the local company.

In international comparison, Sweden has a good position in terms of access to high-speed broadband. One reason for this is that there are a number of infrastructure competitors in the Swedish market who are happy to invest in digital infrastructure as long as they can make a profit. But where market forces are not sufficient, which is the case for an estimated 10% of Sweden's households and businesses, a clearer goal and a clearer strategy are required from the government. I believe the government has a particular responsibility to avoid digital exclusion in less densely populated areas. And they cannot rely on volunteers to do this.