The purpose of the NTSG is to be able to restore and support national digital infrastructure, which is necessary for electronic communication, during serious disruptions or crises. When electronic communications are disrupted, it becomes difficult to make phone calls, communicate via email, or use other vital digital services such as banking services, card payments, and electronic identification, which can have serious consequences for society.
– Secure digital communication is crucial in Swedish crisis preparedness. With this proposal, Sweden gains the conditions for robust crisis management and preparedness within electronic communication. It has positive consequences for Sweden's security both in peacetime and during heightened alert, says Minister for Civil Affairs Erik Slottner.
The war in Ukraine has clearly shown that resilient and functioning electronic communication is crucial, both for military defence and civil society. The government therefore sees it as a priority to involve the business sector, which provides these fundamental services, more closely in preparedness planning. This is an important step in the government's rebuilding of total defence.
– The government believes it is necessary to formalise cooperation in the NTSG group to strengthen civil defence within electronic communication. The business sector is a central part of total defence, yet today it is involved in preparedness planning to a limited extent, says Minister for Civil Affairs Erik Slottner further.
About the national telecommunications cooperation group, NTSG
The national telecommunications cooperation group, NTSG, has existed since 2005 and is a voluntary cooperation forum between authorities and private actors. The purpose of the NTSG is to support the restoration of the national infrastructure for electronic communications during serious disruptions in society. The group's work has been based on voluntariness, and each participant represents their own organisation. The PTS holds the chairmanship and provides administrative support.
The actors that may be relevant are operators or other organisations that provide electronic communication networks and communication services, or those who have knowledge or resources significant for maintaining the function of such networks or services.
The proposal will increase clarity for the group's members and provide a clearer mandate for preparedness planning for peacetime crises and heightened alert. The exchange of information relevant to preparedness within the sector between both companies and authorities will also be facilitated.