Finland makes broadband a legal right

In a world first, the Finnish government has made broadband access a legal right.

From 1st July it is a legal requirement for Finnish telecom companies to ensure all lines are capable of at least 1mb, providing fast internet access for every one of the nation's 5.3 million citizens.

In a statement to the BBC a spokeswoman for the Finnish communications minister said “internet services are no longer just for entertainment”. Finland is already one of the most connected countries in the world, with an estimated 96 per cent of the population online, and this new law aims to make sure that the so-called “digital divide” does not leave anybody behind in a society that is increasingly reliant upon the internet for day to day life.

One side effect of the new law affects copyright holders, as it prevents the forced disconnection of users found to be downloading and sharing copyrighted files. It's believed that infringers will instead be sent warning letters.

A similar plan was touted for Britain under the Labour government's Digital Britain report, which promised 2mb broadband throughout the country, a big improvement on the current Universal Service Obligation of 28.8k. This was supported by the Conservatives, who in March announced a desire to provide a nationwide 100mb network. Unlike Finland, however, this would not be enshrined in law.

The fastest broadband speed currently available for British web surfers is Virgin Media's 50mb cable broadband, and the company recently announced plans to work toward 400mb. But despite such lofty ambitions Britain lags behind countries such as South Korea, where the government is spending $24 billion to provide a blazing fast 1gb by 2012.