The increase in scam calls and text messages has propelled regulatory authorities worldwide to tighten Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for telecommunications providers. This regulatory response looks to curb illegal activities and enhance consumer protection.
Recently, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) issued new regulatory measures requiring the blocking of calls under specific circumstances, as a measure to tackle a recent surge in fraudulent calls. To prevent “spoofing”, providers must block calls originating from abroad that falsely appear to come from Swedish landline or mobile numbers, while first verifying whether the mobile is legitimately in use abroad. In addition, providers must also verify that end-users have a physical presence in the country. Recognising the growing threat of scam text messages, PTS has also proposed the establishment of a voluntary registry for SMS sender IDs that would allow companies and organisations to register their sender names, enabling providers to filter out messages from unregistered or spoofed senders.
To ensure compliance with these rules, PTS has recently initiated a review into the practices of several local providers, requiring them to provide information demonstrating alignment with the rules by 16 June.
As of June 2025, the sub-allocation of numbers is allowed in Sweden, subject to PTS approval. However, with mounting concerns over number misuse and potential societal harm, further tightening of number allocation rules may soon follow. So far, the regulatory response has focused on increasing regulatory controls over numbering resource use and introducing additional measures to address these risks.
The augmented operations of increasingly sophisticated scam networks presents a broader public policy challenge. Consumer education and prevention must lie at the heart of additional measures needed to reduce scams, which must go beyond tightening rules on numbering resources. Striking a delicate balance is essential to avoid stifling innovation.
Access Partnership supports clients in navigating the complexities of telecommunications regulations and the conditions for providing innovative services through expert analysis and strategic guidance. To find out more about how our dedicated Regulatory Strategy & Market Access experts can help you adapt to evolving requirements, please contact Chrystel Erotokritou [email protected] or Juliana Ramirez [email protected]
