IP: SWEDEN PLANS INTERNET ACCESS FOR ALL from Educause

[David Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

The Swedish government has announced a broadband plan to help
information technology permeate the farthest corners of the
country.  The government's proposal, a funding package of nearly
$20 billion to enable the construction of high-speed Internet
networks, will directly compete with the country's national
operator, Telia, and other operators.  Roughly half of Sweden's
populace logs onto the Internet at least twice a week.  The
government's plan will ensure that the country's rural and
northern areas have access to broadband networks.  All operators
will have access to the new government-sponsored network.  The
government's plan is unique to Western Europe, according to
analysts. (Financial Times, 30 March 2000)