IT&Telecom companies - we are doing our part to meet broadband targets

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority today - March 28 - presented new figures for broadband deployment in the country. The report shows that telecom companies continue to make major investments in digital infrastructure.

In 2018, 81% of all households and businesses in Sweden had access to broadband with at least 100 Mbit/s. This is an increase of over four percentage points compared to the previous year.

Broadband needed throughout the country

For Sweden to fully benefit from digitalization, a physical infrastructure in the form of broadband is needed - throughout the country. Today's figures speak for themselves. Companies continue to invest in the expansion of both fixed and mobile broadband throughout Sweden. According to PTS's survey, the rate of expansion is admittedly somewhat lower than in previous years, but fortunately the expansion is taking place in more sparsely populated areas. And these are areas where it is both more expensive and more complicated to expand. IT&Telecom companies have also pointed out several times the important role of the Swedish Transport Administration in contributing to broadband expansion. I now hope that the dialog that the Authority has initiated with the industry will lead to a greater understanding of the issue, faster processes and better cooperation.

Everyone must take responsibility

If Sweden is to achieve the goals of the Government's broadband strategy that all of Sweden should have access to fast broadband by 2025, then all actors need to contribute and take their share of the responsibility. Companies must continue to invest, authorities and organizations must facilitate the expansion, and the government must also be prepared to continue to provide support money to achieve the goal. Without these efforts, we will no longer be a leading digitalization nation.