All Swedes are currently entitled to an Internet connection of at least 20 kbits per second, which is referred to as ‘functional access to the Internet’. In a consultation response to the Government, PTS now proposes that the minimum level be raised to at least 144 kbits per second as a first step towards EU legislation.
“People living in sparsely populated areas must also be able to use e-services, for example those of the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. 144 kbits per second is not broadband, but it at least ensures that everyone can use the most basic and vital public services,” says Marianne Treschow, Director-General of PTS.
11 000 households currently unable to get the minimum level
PTS assesses that 11 000 households are currently unable to gain access to 144 kbits per second through today’s either fixed or mobile solutions. It would cost the Swedish state between SEK 550 million and SEK 1.1 billion to roll out infrastructure so that these households also could gain access to the improved minimum level.
PTS proposes that the new minimum level should also apply throughout the European Union.
“It is not realistic to propose a higher minimum level for the EU as a whole. Although there are a few countries that have come far in terms of broadband infrastructure rollout, there are also a few countries which are trailing behind,” says Marianne Treschow.
Sweden needs broadband objectives
Besides an improved minimum level for access to the Internet, PTS wants Sweden to comply with the challenge presented by the EU and draw up a long-term objective for access to broadband. This is key to economic growth, both in terms of jobs and business start-ups.
PTS is responsible for the right of everyone to have access to telephony and the Internet
PTS is an agency whose task is to ensure that all households and businesses have access to telephony and the Internet. According to law, such services may either be provided by means of a traditional fixed connection or a wireless subscription. In today’s telecommunications market, it is no longer the case that a specific operator is identified as having a duty to provide a connection, unlike the previous system. In a competitive market, several different operators may supply these services on the basis of where they have rolled out their networks. PTS is now awaiting proposed legislation from the Government about how to finance access to telephony and the Internet in the areas where no networks have been rolled out.
For more information, please contact Sara Andersson, head of Consumer Department, tel. 0708-11 40 30.
The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) monitors the electronic communications and postal sectors in Sweden. The term ‘electronic communications’ includes telephony, the Internet and radio. The Agency works with consumer and competition issues, efficient utilisation of resources and secure communications. Read more at www.pts.se.