Billions needed for a comprehensive broadband network

Sweden is facing major societal challenges. To meet them, Sweden needs to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalization.

A basic prerequisite for society to be able to take full advantage of digitization is that there is an expanded digital infrastructure in the form of fast broadband. Throughout the country. To all citizens. Otherwise, not everyone will be able to take advantage of new digital services provided by municipalities, for example. This creates an unacceptable digital divide.

In its broadband strategy, the government has also pointed out the importance of a fully developed digital infrastructure. In contrast to other infrastructure investments, this expansion is mainly taking place through market investments. Market players have invested SEK 54 billion over the past six years, while the government has contributed SEK 5 billion in aid between 2014 and 2018. Private initiatives are thus crucial.

Despite these massive investments, a great deal remains to be done. According to calculations that we at IT&Telecom companies have commissioned, a further SEK 42 billion will be needed to extend fiber to everyone who currently lacks access to 100 Mbit/s. There are no indications that the government intends to make any major investments in this area.

So - as in the past, most of the investment will come from market players. And that's a good thing. Because if Sweden had relied on the government to build broadband, we would have had to wait. For a long time.

Anne-Marie Fransson, Director, IT&Telecom Confederation

My Bergdahl, Business Policy Expert, IT&Telecom Industries