Minimum of 1 Mbit Internet connection available to everyone

As of 1 July 2010 1 Mbit Internet connection will be defined as a universal service.This means that telecom operators defined as universal service providers must be able to provide every permanent residence and business office with access to a reasonably priced and high-quality connection with a downstream rate of at least 1 Mbit/s.

The length of the transition period before the universal service obligation starts has been reduced by six months from the previous plan.

A decree of Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications states that by the end of 2009 the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority will determine the telecom operators that will be imposed a universal service obligation. The service providers may decide the technology they wish to use for the service.