Ta(C)k for the commitment!
The Center Party recently published its election promises for rural areas. As one of seven proposals, the party highlights an investment in broadband and better mobile coverage. The Center Party clarifies in its program that the state must take responsibility and that mobile coverage and access to broadband are crucial for the continued development of rural areas.
It is very gratifying to see the Center Party's political commitment and understanding of the need for political responsibility! It is refreshing that Annie Lööf chooses to highlight investments in broadband expansion and mobile coverage as one of her election promises.
The European Commission also recently presented its annual comparison of Member States' digital progress (DESI). In this year's report, Sweden has fallen to fourth place. In the area of connectivity, which includes the use of and access to broadband and mobile networks, Sweden is now only ninth - behind our Nordic neighbors and countries such as Germany, France and the Netherlands. Sweden (through PTS) has only allocated 80 percent of the frequency space that the EU has jointly designated for 5G and when we look at the deployment of 5G networks, Sweden is in a modest 21st place.
When Sweden is lagging behind in EU comparisons, the Center Party's focus on broadband and mobile networks is particularly important. Sweden needs to regain its position as Europe's leading mobile nation and ensure that spectrum is quickly put to use so that we can roll out new technology, innovations and new services.
I hope that more parties will follow suit and see the importance of an active digitalization policy. Anyone who wants inspiration can take a look at the report "A Tech Agenda for Sweden" where we present a number of proposed measures that we believe can contribute to a competitive Sweden, My concludes.
My Bergdahl
Industry policy expert, TechSverige