Finland has made having a broadband connection a basic right for every resident.
From today, everyone will have access to a reasonably priced broadband connection, says the Finnish government, in the same way as everyone can access telephone or postal services.
Every business will also be included in the pledge, which initially guarantees a download speed of at least 1Mb.
”This is absolutely one of the Government's most significant achievements in regional policy and I am proud of it”, says Suvi Lindén, Finland's Minister of Communications.
The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority has appointed 26 operators to provide services and they'll be monitored to ensure they fulfil their obligations and don't charge too much.
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The BBC reports that up to 96% of the Finnish population are already online.
Finland is thought to be the first country in the world to make broadband access a legal right.
The Australian Government has pledged to provide broadband access to the whole country through its National Broadband Network, which is currently starting its rollout in Tasmania.
