A Completely Connected Sweden by 2025 – a Broadband Strategy

The strategy outlined in the document ‘A Completely Connected Sweden by 2025 – a Broadband Strategy’ focuses on ensuring that all of Sweden has access to high-speed broadband and reliable mobile services by 2025. The strategy is driven by a vision of a completely connected society where technology enables improvements in social services, business opportunities, and quality of life. Here are the key elements of the strategy:

Vision and Goals

• Vision: A completely connected Sweden where neither fixed nor wireless broadband limits the utilisation, supply, or development of digital services.
• Short-term Goals: By 2020, 95% of all households and businesses should have access to broadband with a minimum capacity of 100 Mbit/s.
• Long-term Goals: By 2025, 98% of the population should have access to broadband with a minimum capacity of 1 Gbit/s, 1.9% with at least 100 Mbit/s, and 0.1% with at least 30 Mbit/s. Additionally, everyone should have access to reliable and high-quality mobile services by 2023.

Strategic Areas

1. Roles and Rules:
   • Clarify the roles and rules for broadband market operators to accelerate expansion.
   • Ensure municipal broadband infrastructure is provided on non-discriminatory terms.
   • Encourage continuous private investments by creating a conducive market environment.
2. Cost-Efficient Expansion:
   • Simplify and accelerate the permit processes for broadband deployment.
   • Increase cooperation between public and private sectors.
   • Use government funding effectively to support broadband expansion in commercially unviable areas.
3. Infrastructure and Services for Everyone:
   • Ensure high-speed broadband reaches rural and sparsely populated areas.
   • Promote the development and utilisation of wireless broadband technologies.
   • Manage the radio spectrum actively to support the development of 5G and other advanced technologies.

Key Activities

• Bredbandsforum: Continue facilitating cooperation between various stakeholders to overcome obstacles in broadband expansion.
• EU Regulations: Actively participate in shaping EU regulations to ensure they support Sweden’s broadband goals.
• Government Funding: Allocate significant government funds to support broadband expansion in areas where commercial investments are insufficient.
• Municipal Involvement: Provide guidance to municipalities to effectively plan and support broadband infrastructure development.
• Technological Innovation: Encourage the adoption of new technologies and continuous improvement in broadband infrastructure.

Management and Evaluation

• Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS): Given the responsibility to oversee the strategy, follow up on goals, and ensure coordination among various authorities.
• Continuous Monitoring: Regularly analyse the progress towards the goals and adjust strategies as needed to ensure effective implementation.

The strategy emphasises a market-driven approach supplemented by public efforts, aiming for a comprehensive and inclusive broadband infrastructure that supports Sweden’s long-term digital development goals.