PTS has a government assignment to promote the adoption of IPv6 by leading the Swedish IPv6 forum. The IPv6 forum is a meeting place for actors from all parts of the IPv6 value chain.
We believe that failing to implement IPv6 addressing could lead to significant consequences, potentially even hindering societal digitalisation.
IPv6 is essential for future-proof digitalisation and communication
Everything connected to the internet requires an IP address to function. IPv4 addresses are essentially depleted, except for those available at a relatively high cost on a secondary market. Hence, IPv6, the next generation of IP addresses, is needed to ensure future-proof digitalisation and communication.
IPv6 is the latest version of the protocol that enables internet-connected devices to communicate with each other.
The IPv6 addressing standard is necessary to ensure that electronic communication networks, including the internet, remain globally accessible, allowing services and information to be available to all end users, regardless of location. For internet end users, there isn’t much difference between the two IP protocols (IPv4 and IPv6). The benefits of IPv6 become apparent as more entities take responsibility for developing and implementing IPv6 support.
Five reasons to implement IPv6
- Accessibility for everyone
Both IPv4 and IPv6 are used on the internet today, but the IP addresses are not compatible with each other. To ensure accessibility for everyone, at least external digital services such as websites, email, and DNS services need to support both IPv6 and IPv4. - Future-proof digitalisation
Society is becoming increasingly digitalized. Sectors like healthcare, energy and transportation are just a few areas where operations require more IP addresses to function optimally. IPv6 is a necessary piece of the puzzle for digitalisation, smoothly and securely enabling accessible and functional services for all citizens. - Enabling innovation
By implementing IPv6, both the public and private sectors can access the large number of IP addresses needed to fully benefit from emerging internet-based service areas, such as the Internet of Things (IoT). This opens up a wide range of new innovations and business opportunities, allowing the internet to continue growing as a driver of innovation. - Simpler and more modern
IPv6 allows internal networks in both the public and private sectors to be organized in a new, more suitable way, simplifying administration and making it easier to implement changes. It also becomes easier to merge with others into a common network, as collisions with internal IPv4 addresses can be avoided. - The sooner, the better
It's wise to implement IPv6 now to avoid getting stuck with outdated technology later. Delaying implementation could lead to security issues and increased costs, especially if IPv6 must be implemented unprepared and under time pressure.
IPv6 will replace IPv4
Eventually, IPv6 will replace IPv4, as they are not compatible. It's unclear when this will happen, but IPv6 is essential for services such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and the future 6G.
Get Support and Learn from Others in the IPv6 Forum
PTS run the Swedish IPv6 forum which serves as a meeting place for all stakeholders affected by IPv6. We exchange experiences and propose actions with the goal of increasing IPv6 adoption in Sweden. The meetings are held a few times a year.
The next IPv6 forum will be held on February 5, 2025.
Meeting on September 11, 2024
The fourth IPv6 forum focused on connection and connectivity with IPv6. Representatives from the Global IPv6 Forum, Telenor Connexion, Tele2, Volvo Car Corporation, and ISOC-SE gave presentations on the topic.
Presentations from the fourth forum:
Meeting on November 28, 2023
The third IPv6 forum focused on the EU Commission's view on IPv6 rollout and regional robustness with IPv6. Norwegian regulator NKom also presented its plan for IPv6 in 2024 and 2025. PTS discussed its work on regional robustness and how IPv6 could be a key component. The Internet Cooperation Group, represented by Netnod and Edvina, concluded by presenting their work on a national robust communication architecture and the importance of defining what internet access means. About 75 people attended the forum.
Meeting on February 1, 2023
The second IPv6 forum meeting was held on February 1, 2023. The theme was “Better cooperation for IPv6 in Sweden.” Over 110 participants registered, representing 80 different actors, including energy companies, municipalities, government agencies, private companies, and universities. Speakers included the Government Offices, Telia Company, the Swedish Local Fibre Alliance (SSNf), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and France's IPv6 Task Force.
Meeting on May 11, 2022
The first IPv6 forum meeting was held on May 11, 2022. Speakers included RIPE NCC, SNUS, ISOC-SE, the Swedish Local Fibre Alliance (SSNf), Spotify, Ericsson, SVT, Amazon, and Utsikt Bredband.