Broadband now 'legal right' for Finnish citizens

Finnish citizens are now guaranteed the right to at least a 1Mbps broadband connection. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Finland has officially become the first country in the world to make broadband a legal right - on par with healthcare and education - for all of its citizens.

Every Finnish citizen will have the guaranteed right to access at least a 1Mbps (megabit per second) broadband connection.

Communication minister Suvi Linden told the BBC the internet played a key role in everyday life for most Finns.

"Finland has worked hard to develop an information society and a couple of years ago we realised not everyone had access."

From July 1, all telecommunications companies will be required to provide residents with lines that can run at a minimum 1Mbps speed.

Finland has vowed to connect all of its citizens to a 100Mbps connection by 2015.

According to the BBC, up to 96 per cent of Finland's population is already online.

Spain is also due to follow suit from next year, when citizens will be legally entitled to buy broadband internet of at least 1Mbps at a regulated price.

Telecommunications companies which are part of the country's "universal service" system will be required to make broadband available at a "reasonable" price to everyone, no matter they live.

- NZ HERALD STAFF