Today, the network with best coverage, which is Telia, covers 90 % of Sweden in terms of surface. (Much more in terms of population). Juholt claims however that it is not acceptable than anyone is without mobile connection. He says to the daily newspaper Dagens Nyheter (DN):
“I have visited some parts of the country where one can’t even call SOS Alarm (the emergency number for police, fire department, ambulance and other rescue service; my remark). It is not reasonable that one can choose between numerous operators in some parts of the country while one cannot use the basic functions in other parts (…) It should not be possible for these companies to deny service to citizens because it is too expensive.” (Quote translated from Swedish)
The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) says however that the idea is unrealistic. Sweden is already among the very best in Europe when it comes to mobile coverage. Olof Bjurö at PTS says to DN:
“If we would build the physical infrastructure so everyone gets access to the mobile networks it would be extremely expensive. Furthermore we would have to build where we are not allowed to build, for example in nature reserves. We would also have to build roads leading to the masts. It just wouldn’t work.” (Quote translated from Swedish)
Juholt also says to DN that he wants to regulate three other markets harder as well. He mentions the electricity market, pharmacies and railway.