The EU is now reviewing the regulations that apply to the telecommunications sector with the aim of promoting competition in this market The Swedish Government will provide SEK 8.3 billion for the development of broadband networks during the period 2000-2004. Some of Sweden's investments will be in form of tax allowances to households, local authorities and companies that want to install broadband networks, presupposing that the market players invest at least the same amount themselves. The German Government is relying on the market's ability to establish nation-wide broadband networks. This will probably result in a dramatic rise in network capacity. Developments in Norway Our infrastructure allows digital services to be transmitted over phone, cable and electricity networks, among other means.
Companies normally lease lines or have their own high-capacity networks.
The going rate for highspeed transmission is considered excessive. In order to transmit large amounts of data, the infrastructure must be expanded and upgraded. The access networks will be a bottleneck. Telecommunications, broadcasting, cable and electricity networks can be used to establish user access Several market players have started to work on this, and developments are expected to pick up speed over the next few years, with companies competing to offer increased capacity to households and companies. The Government's focus on broadband communications is intended to trigger market investments.