Finland Declares Broadband Access a Right
WASHINGTON July 1, 2010- In an amendment to the Communications Market Act broadband access was added as a right for all citizens and business. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) will ensure that all citizens have access to broadband connection with a minimum down speed of 1Mbps
WASHINGTON July 1, 2010- In an amendment to the Communications Market Act broadband access was added as a right for all citizens and business. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) will ensure that all citizens have access to broadband connection with a minimum down speed of 1Mbps. This service will be provided via universal service requirements.
![FICORA](https://www.ficora.fi/images/ylapalkinkuvat/5jntGriw1/ficora_logo_en.gif)
According to the FICORA “a universal service provider must be assigned if this is necessary in order to ensure the universal service provision in a certain area. Consumers must separately agree with the telecom operator assigned as a universal service provider on the obtaining of a broadband subscription pertaining to universal service.”
FICORA will also begin to monitor the pricing and speeds of broadband services. They have not been given a mandate for price caps but they have stated that they feel a monthly fee of 30-40Euros ($49) is reasonable in most cases.