Under the measures Swedish operators will have to conduct a full risk assessment before procuring any new products or services, including an analysis of the threat of network sabotage.
The move, which comes into effect on 1st March, is “intended to address some of the risks that are being raised” during the country’s 5G rollout. The rules are aligned with measures recommended by the EU.
Karin Lodin, acting head of PTS’s Department of Secure Communications, said: “As more and more services and community functions rely on functioning electronic communications networks and services, the requirements for what is a reasonable level of operational reliability are increased.
“The upcoming expansion of the 5G networks will further increase dependency. The new rules are intended to address some of the risks that are being raised. PTS's updated rules on operational safety are in line with several of the measures recommended in the EU Toolbox with security measures for 5G,” Lodin continued.
Further, operators will be expected to meet increased documentation requirements. Specifically, they must save any documentation around procurement and collaboration with manufacturers – including contractors and the scope of assignments – for five years. They must also respond to any future information communicated by PTS concerned threats to the national network.
The new EU telecommunications rules, along with the updated operational safety rules and new regulations will be discussed at Sweden’s upcoming Security Forum, taking place in Stockholm on 22nd April.
