Swedish local network association SSNf said the sector it represents plans to spend SEK 3.8 billion on extending fibre in 2020, despite reports of reduced investment by the broadband market as a whole. Presenting its report 'Facts about Swedish urban networks - a statistical report April 2020', it said these levels will be hard to maintain without state support.
SSNf CEO Mikael Ek said many members are expanding fibre throughout their borough, even though profitability reduces the further they move into rural districts. He said it will be difficult to maintain spending levels in the years to come without more state financial support and simplified regulations.
Ek said digital isolation is great among older people and the financially disadvantaged. He called for a public information campaign to publicise the benefits of digitisation and more opportunities for economically disadvantaged people to get a line, especially those with children at home.
The survey looks at the most common reasons for residents deciding not to connect their home to broadband. One is the age of the property owner, and another is financing. It found that 76 percent of older people did not see the point of getting broadband. Thirty-four percent of respondents said they did not use it, and 47 percent cannot afford it.
