A war scenario was simulated with the telecommunications industry

One of the few downsides of working on digitalization policy is that field trips are rarely spectacular. They usually involve standing there looking at a server rack and quite a few cables. It’s interesting, but perhaps not visually captivating. Recently, however, it was different. 

Over the course of three days, public and private sector actors jointly conducted an exercise to practice managing large-scale disruptions to electronic communications in a wartime scenario. The entire chain of operations was tested, from command, decision-making, and coordination to the practical repair of damaged infrastructure in the field. TechSverige participated as an observer during parts of the exercise. 

For TechSverige, the message is clear: Tech and telecom companies are a strategic part of total defense. Their infrastructure, expertise, and ability to quickly restore critical communications are essential, even during wartime. The private sector must therefore be an integral part of contingency planning, exercises, and decision-making. Companies must also be provided with the right conditions to do so.  

One thing the government can contribute is training exercises. These are difficult and demanding for individual organizations to organize, but very useful when they are carried out.  

Thank you to the TechSverige members who participated and to the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority for organizing the event.

Fredrik Sand
Economic Policy Expert, TechSverige