Tough fiber construction on Öland gets a fresh start - with government money

The fiber expansion in the smaller villages on Öland has been a bit sluggish.

As recently as 2019, it was said that all households would have the opportunity to join in 2021, but today only 80-85 percent of households have the opportunity to join broadband.

Now, with the help of state money, promises are coming again.

This time, it is estimated that up to 95 percent will have access to fiber. 

- The big challenge is what is left.

These are very long distances and large costs to be able to get to the last ones.

So more grants are needed, so that we can invest more money there, says Jan Gunnarsson at IP Only, which is responsible for the fiber expansion.

State millions

For the fiber expansion that will take place on Öland over the next two years, the company has received government grants from PTS of SEK 14.5 million.

Another 800 households on the island will then have the opportunity to join for a cost of approximately SEK 20,000. 

- It is very important that we increase the degree of connection and that all households have the opportunity to connect to fiber, says Matilda Wärenfalk (S), municipal councilor in Mörbylånga municipality.

She is supported by her colleague in the northern half of the island. 

- We have seen what the fiber connection means, not least during the pandemic, when many holiday home owners have chosen to work from home from their holiday homes.

And it will mean a lot for welfare technology and digitalisation in society, says Ilko Corkovic (S), municipal councilor in Borgholm.

Promises to deliver

IP Only, which will carry out the upcoming fiber expansion on Öland, has over the years had to endure some criticism when they have not been able to deliver fiber as promised.

That time is over, it is said today. 

- Now it's going well.

Now we actually produce on the entire island and deliver to the areas we once promised, says Jan Gunnarsson at IP Only.