Norwegian govt insists it has reduced digital divide after opposition criticism

Minister for Transport and Communication Ketil Solvik-Olsen has responded to comments by Centre Party Member of Parliament Ivar Odnes concerning broadband provision in Norway. Solvik-Olsen said Odnes has claimed there has been no reduction in the digital divide over the past four years, insisting that many people lack access to fast internet. The minister said that in fact, only about 2,000 homes now lack broadband at up to 4 Mbps, down from almost 90,000 when the Centre Party left office in 2013.

Between 2013 and 2017, approximately 1 million Norwegians gained access by fibre broadband that they had not previously had. He said 80 percent of homes now have the option to get broadband, and that 4G reception exceeds 99 percent. Annual investment in broadband expansion has risen by over NOK 3 billion since his Progress Party entered government in coalition with the Conservatives, from NOK 7.6 billion in 2013 to 10.7 billion in 2016.

Solvik-Olsen reiterated that the 2018 budget has another 50 percent set aside for digital infrastructure, and he pointed out the recent change in excavation regulations, which should the lower cost of laying cables. He said the government will continue to strive to get everyone connected to digital infrastructure.