Unhappy is just the first name

It has not gone unnoticed that the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) has postponed its planned 5G auction. The reason is a new bill proposed by the government, which is expected to be voted through in Parliament next week. A law that is said to protect Sweden's security in radio use.

The postponement of the auction is not only unfortunate, it is serious. Serious because Sweden's digital development comes to a standstill when the rollout of 5G in our country is delayed. But the shadow should not fall over PTS. The fact that they have chosen to postpone the auction is fully understandable. What is needed is clarity and predictability regarding the rules and conditions that apply if companies are to be able to participate in an auction. And that is lacking today. Not only because the legislation has not yet entered into force, but also because the law itself contains ambiguities.

Proposed legislation risks affecting businesses' willingness to invest

Already this summer, IT&Telecom companies warned that the law risked affecting companies' willingness to invest. We also raised a warning finger that there may be fewer players willing to invest and build future infrastructures such as 5G. Let us hope, however, that the conditions will soon become clear so that companies can continue to invest. This will enable Sweden to keep up with global digital development and competition.