Efficient and secure electronic communications

Electronic communications in Sweden must be as easily accessible and efficient as possible. Regulations in this area are harmonised with the rest of the EU as a joint step towards an information society.

Policy objectives

The objective of electronic communications policy is to ensure that individuals and government agencies have access to efficient and secure electronic communications. These electronic communications should be the most worthwhile possible in terms of choice of transmission services, price and quality. In these respects Sweden should be at the forefront of international developments. Electronic communications should be sustainable and useable and should accommodate the needs of the future.

The primary means to this end should be to establish conditions for effective competition, free of distortion and limitations, and to promote international harmonisation. The state should bear responsibility in areas in which public interests cannot be satisfied by the market alone. For more information, see information leaflet on Electronic Communications Act to the right

The overall policy objective for electronic communications, IT and postal services is to ensure that everyone has access to an infrastructure and associated public services that are efficient in terms of the economy as a whole and sustainable in the long term.

Policy scope

Electronic communications and the emergency telephone service are part of a policy area which includes electronic communications, information technology and postal communications, basic cashier service and the emergency telephone service.

Policy focus

The Electronic Communications Act is based on EU regulations whose overall objectives are to achieve a harmonised regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and electronic communications services, and associated installations and services.

Behind the new regulations are developments in the field that mean a merging of different infrastructures and technologies for communication transmission. This has created the need for coordinated and technologically neutral legislation.

Market developments have also led to a demand for more flexible legislation. A fundamental principle behind the new regulatory framework is that competition-promoting sector specific legislation should only be resorted to if there is a need for this.