Internet in Finland

Broadband connection as a legal right

Since July 1st, every Finnish citizen has the legal right to have at least 1Mpbs broadband connection. That makes Finland the first country to consider broadband connection as a legal right. Even though universal access is to be assured by the government, that doesn't mean access will be free


By GABRIELA ZAGO
from Porto Alegre, BRAZIL
Photo: Stock Exchange


If by some people Internet is seen as a mere entertainment service, for many people it is seen as indispensable - as a working tool, as a means of communication, as a place to search for useful information, or even for educational purposes. Internet has become so essential in our lives that is hard to think how we could work, study, or communicate without it. It is so essential that everyone should have access to its advantages.

At least that is what the Finnish government thinks about it. Since July 1st, every citizen of Finland has the legal right to have at least 1Mbps broadband connection. That makes Finland the first country to put broadband connection as a legal right, on the same level as other rights like health or education, or akin to freedom of speech and freedom of movement.

As Finland's communication minister Suvi Linden told BBC, "We considered the role of the internet in Finns everyday life. Internet services are no longer just for entertainment. Finland has worked hard to develop an information society and a couple of years ago we realised not everyone had access".

It is believed that at least 96% of the population already has broadband connection, so assuring the law is fully met will not be so complicated. But the proposition goes beyond: the government promises that by 2015 all citizens will have speed connection of 100Mbps.

Universal but not free

The idea is to provide Internet access as a universal service, such as telephone or postal service. But that doesn't mean that Internet is now free for everyone. The law only assures a minimum speed and that the price of an Internet connection be fair. In practical terms it means that every Finn, no matter where they live, urban or rural area, should be able to get a 1Mbps connection at a reasonable price.

Ars Technica describes a universal service as "being a common concept in developed countries, and it provides money to telephone operators and other utilities to ensure that service is extended even to places where it would not otherwise be profitable, and that prices remain reasonable."

Broadband for all but with limits

Providing broadband connection as a legal right have some implications, too. If the connection is provided in part by the government, then the government can place more restrictions on illegal uses, such as on illegal file-sharing.

But while at some countries this could mean interrupting the service or limiting the amount it can be downloaded from the Internet, Finland government plans to use a more gentle approach: instead of cutting off access of those who do illegal activities, they pretend to send notification letters to these users.

Although Finland is the first country to officially consider broadband connection as a legal right, similar steps are being taken in other countries. Spain, for instance, announced that it would have broadband access as a legal right before 2011. Also, according to CNET, in France Internet access is considered a basic human right.



(Published: 12.07.2010.)