29.06.2010

1 Mbit/s broadband for everyone on 1 July 2010 - telecom operators' new universal service obligations enter into force

As of 1 July, consumers and businesses are entitled to a 1 Mbit/s broadband subscription at their permanent place of residence or business.

The broadband subscription may be implemented by fixed or wireless technology and its price and delivery time must be reasonable.

FICORA assigns 26 universal service operators

FICORA assigned 26 telecom operators as universal service providers in various parts of Finland. In their operating area, the operators have an obligation to provide a broadband subscription for consumers and business customers at their permanent place of residence or business. According to the amendment to the Communications Market Act entering into force at the beginning of July, the connection speed must be 1 Mbit/s. The requirements for the minimum speed of an internet connection have been specified in further detail in the Decree of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

According to the Communications Market Act, 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.

Consumers are advised to turn to FICORA's website to check which geographic areas have been assigned a universal service operator for the provision of broadband subscriptions. The search service is available at www.viestintävirasto.fi.

FICORA monitors the pricing and delivery times of broadband services

FICORA monitors the pricing of the broadband universal service provided by universal service providers and draws comparisons to the price level of other communications services. In FICORA's view, a monthly fee of 30 to 40 euros would be reasonable in most cases. FICORA does not have the mandate to, for example, determine a price cap for a universal service subscription in advance. A reasonable delivery time and price are determined case-specifically.

Further information:

Saara Punkka, Legal Counsel, tel. +358 9 6966 390, +358 40 719 7276
Klaus Nieminen, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 9 6966 634, tel. +358 50 303 8211
Petri Makkonen, Head of the Unit, tel. +358 9 6966 381, +358 50 430 0391