Sweden: Reshaping of the telecoms landscape in 2026

As we enter 2026, Sweden's telecommunications landscape is poised for significant transformation. A series of regulatory proposals and policy initiatives are set to reshape how operators manage infrastructure expansion, combat fraud and contribute to national digitalisation goals. Here are the key developments that stakeholders in the Swedish telecoms sector should monitor closely.

Changes to Swedish law following the new EU Gigabit Infrastructure Regulation

The new EU Regulation on gigabit infrastructure (Regulation (EU) 2024/1309 on measures to reduce the cost of deploying gigabit electronic communications networks) became applicable from 12 November 2025. Sweden is currently assessing which amendments may be required to Swedish legislation in light of these new rules.

On 10 November 2025, the Gigabit Committee (Sw: Gigabittutredningen) submitted its report "Faster Broadband Across the Country – Measures for More Efficient Deployment of Gigabit Infrastructure" (SOU 2025:110) to the Swedish Government. The report is available in Swedish here.

The report is currently out for public consultation, with responses due by 8 April 2026. The Committee proposes the following measures:

1. A new central information point to enable operators to submit licence applications digitally and obtain real-time information about application status;
2. Designation of the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority as the supervisory authority under the new rules, including responsibility for managing the central information point;
3. Simplified permit processes for cross-border infrastructure, such as submarine cables;

On a separate note, Sweden does not intend to apply the EU Regulation's automatic approval mechanism (tacit approval) for licence applications when authorities exceed decision-making deadlines. Instead, a new compensation regime for delays is proposed to be introduced through supplementary national legislation.  A draft law with this derogation was published on 5 December 2025 and is expected to enter into force on 12 March 2026.

New PTS secondary legislation on data disclosure for law enforcement purposes

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority has published a draft ordinance with regulations setting out legal requirements for operators' disclosure of data for law enforcement purposes. The draft is available in Swedish here.

The proposed regulations distinguish between two types of data and impose different disclosure timelines. For historical data (stored information and preserved data) operators will be expected to disclose information immediately in cases involving acute threats to life or property, within 8 hours for critically important requests, and within 48 hours for routine requests. For real-time data (from lawful interception or surveillance), operators will have to provide information immediately unless otherwise agreed with the requesting authority.

Operators must use standardised technical formats (XML and ETSI standards) when providing information to authorities. 

The draft was open for public consultation until 3 December 2025, with a consolidated version expected shortly. According to the draft, the regulations are proposed to enter into force on 1 April 2026. 

New governmental proposals to prevent telephone fraud in Sweden

The Ministry of Finance has submitted a memorandum containing proposals to combat fraud perpetrated via telephone and SMS. The memorandum is available in Swedish here.

The aim is to enable operators to block misleading calls and text messages before they reach recipients, thereby increasing protection for both individuals and businesses.

The memorandum proposes that operators providing telephony and text messaging services should be obliged to block calls and messages suspected of being used for fraud or to mislead large groups of recipients. Operators may not filter the content of calls or text messages, but should base their assessment on technical indicators such as anomalous traffic patterns or certain reported sender information.

To facilitate control of text messages with sender names, The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority would be permitted to maintain a voluntary register of sender names, enabling verification that messages originate from legitimate senders.

The memorandum is currently open for public consultation, with the deadline for comments set at 26 January 2026.

New direction for Sweden's digitalisation policy

The Swedish Government has adopted a new digitalisation strategy for 2025–2030 that establishes the direction for the Government's digitalisation policy. The Post and Telecom Authority and the Swedish Agency for Digital Government will lead implementation of the strategy.

The strategy is structured around overall goals, sub-goals and measures within five key areas: digital competence, digitalisation of business, public administration, welfare and connectivity. AI, security and data constitute horizontal themes cutting across all areas. The strategy is available in Swedish here.

Key elements relevant to the telecoms sector are identified below:

• Connectivity infrastructure

Sweden must maintain reliable connectivity domestically and internationally to enable people and businesses to operate throughout the entire country. Digital infrastructure must be resilient, secure and promote competitiveness, innovation and sustainability.

All populated areas shall be covered by mobile networks with good capacity, with additional focus on coverage along public roads and railways. Sweden shall proactively meet the connectivity needs of current and future industries. The Government will continue investing in broadband support and 6G research.

• Security and resilience

Digital infrastructure and services must be resilient to withstand stress whilst maintaining functionality, and must be capable of rapid restoration following disruptions.

Telecommunications operators must implement emergency capabilities. To maximise the potential of commercial networks at heightened preparedness, relevant actors are preparing to activate national roaming, cell broadcast and prioritisation for societally critical users.

• Data and AI 

Sweden shall develop a robust and secure national data infrastructure that enables standardised, efficient and sustainable sharing and use of data whilst safeguarding personal privacy. The Government has implemented numerous AI reforms including agency mandates concerning AI in regulatory letters, guidance on generative AI in the public sector, AI excellence clusters and several 2025 budget measures. The public sector is analysing possibilities for a "common digital gateway" for important digital services, presenting potential procurement opportunities.

The Government plans to develop a data plan for publication of public data that has been processed using privacy-preserving methods, thereby strengthening accessibility and use of public information as a resource for innovation. The Government is also exploring models whereby individuals can own and control their data, with particular focus on AI-based development.

Establishment of the Connectivity Council (Sw. Konnektivitetsrådet)

As part of Sweden's digitalisation strategy, the Government is establishing the Connectivity Council to replace the Broadband Forum, which has served as a collaboration platform for over 15 years.

The Connectivity Council will have broad representation, with members from government, authorities, regions, organisations and companies in the electronic communications sector. The Council will be appointed and led by the Minister for Public Administration, with members to be announced early in 2026.

The Council's establishment reflects the Government's recognition that whilst Sweden currently enjoys good access to reliable connectivity via fibre and mobile networks, demand is increasing and infrastructure expansion must continue to enable people to live and work throughout the country.