The rollout of broadband infrastructure - PTS-ER-2010:10

25/05/2011

Broadband infrastructure is needed throughout Sweden, not only for local and regional development, but also for future public services. Sparsely populated areas, which make up a large proportion of Sweden, often lack the commercial impetus to roll out broadband. Rollout in these areas is a complex process that often requires private and public stakeholders to work together to set up 'village networks'. A large number of these projects are currently being conducted or have been completed, but many more are required to satisfy demand.

The fundamental preconditions for village association projects include financing, partners in both the private and public sectors, and access to land. Factors of success include competence, contact networks, a good climate of cooperation and good contacts with the municipalities and public authorities. Access to information and external support may also represent factors of success.

There are basically three types of village network: an open network owned by the village association, an open network owned by the operator and a closed network owned by the village association. Open networks can be difficult to achieve in areas with little commercial interest, but should always be sought.

Measures are required to create better preconditions for the rollout of broadband infrastructure where the market has not established. Objectives and strategies need to be given substance locally, regionally and nationally. The Swedish Government's Broadband Forum is an important stakeholder. The role of the county administrative boards and regional associations should be clarified. Municipal authorities can provide support in various ways, as planners, coordinators and landowners. The new Planning and Building Act may prove to be very significant.

A lack of advance planning for public financing and grants, together with complex administrative routines, makes it difficult for village association projects to take advantage of these opportunities. Routines should be established that ensure rapid release of payments. Municipal authorities should ensure that competence is available within this area regarding broadband, grants, contracts and licences. PTS should be made responsible for producing information materials and training in respect of public funding.

PTS should, in collaboration with the parties concerned, produce training, guidance and recommendations for the construction of future-proof infrastructure offering advanced function and technical security. It is hard for village associations to operate and manage this infrastructure under their own auspices, and it is also difficult for them to assess the effects of running a commercial operation. Information about this should be included in the recommendations for village associations. The Government should instruct an appropriate authority to produce proposals for designing and processing a self declaration, which includes important information about village association networks. An investigation should be conducted into how to develop a national information and knowledge bank in the area. PTS should, in cooperation with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKL), the Swedish Urban Network Association (SSNf) and the Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF), conduct seminars aimed at disseminating information and sharing best practice.