Norwegian Regulator To Control Mobile Network?

Norwegian regulator wants domestic control of mobile networks.

15:04 26 April 2017

The Norwegian Communications Authority (NKOM) has wrote to the Ministry of Transport and Communications proposing a regulation that will require all mobile telephone network owners in the country to operate without the help of foreign-based staff or system in case of an emergency.

 

NKOM said that independent mobile phone networks were key to helping authorities protect national security.

 

"National autonomy means that providers of electronic communications networks and services should be able to operate and maintain services with staff and technical solutions that are based on Norwegian territory,"

 

"If the necessary resources to ensure key communication services can't be brought under national legislation and control in case of an emergency or war, it could have very serious consequences for the ability to govern," it wrote.

 

The regulation, should it take effect, would have the greatest impact on Telia, a Swedish telecom firm that operates one of Norway’s two nationwide 4G networks and relies partly on systems in Sweden.

 

In a statement, the company said: "For the most part, Telia Norway's infrastructure is operated in Norway, but we have some elements in Sweden. We're outlining the consequences and how to handle those,"