Background & Purpose

EU has a regulation on gigabit infrastructure that includes an automatic approval rule, meaning network operators get permits automatically if applications are delayed. Sweden chooses to opt out of this specific rule.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the government's proposal, meaning automatic permit approvals will not be used in Sweden.

Does this affect you?

  • Network operators: Must await active decisions from authorities rather than relying on automatic approvals for their permit applications.
  • Permit-granting authorities: Retain full responsibility for actively processing and deciding on all applications without automatic approvals kicking in.

In Practice

  • Network operators will no longer receive automatic permit approvals if authorities miss deadlines.
  • Authorities must actively process and decide on all permit applications for 5G and fiber networks.
  • The new law takes effect on March 12, 2026.