Finland makes 1Mb broadband access a legal right (CNet)

[Drew Wilson]

Finland's Ministry of Transport and Communications has made 1-megabit broadband Web access a legal right, YLE, the country's national broadcasting company, reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, every person in Finland (a little over 5 million people, according to a 2009 estimate) will have the right of access to a 1Mb broadband connection starting in July. And they may ultimately gain the right to a 100Mb broadband connection.

Just more than a year ago, Finland said it would make a 100Mb broadband connection a legal right by the end of 2015. Wednesday's announcement is considered an intermediate step.

France, one of a few countries that has made Internet access a human right, did so earlier this year. France's Constitutional Council ruled that Internet access is a basic human right. That said, it stopped short of making "broadband access" a legal right. Finland says that it's the first country to make broadband access a legal right.

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The preceeding article is not recommended for Canadians who may experience near violent bouts of jealousy.

Having said that... it doesn't even seem fair anymore. :frown:

Cool development for others nevertheless

[Signa]

I don't know how things are in Finland, but I kinda laugh at the idea of the internet being a right. I know in America, it is kinda getting close to that point. It's equally important to have a radio, TV and Phone to go with the internet. My question is then, why isn't toilet paper a basic human right?

[mountain_rage]

I don't know how things are in Finland, but I kinda laugh at the idea of the internet being a right. I know in America, it is kinda getting close to that point. It's equally important to have a radio, TV and Phone to go with the internet. My question is then, why isn't toilet paper a basic human right?

Because when you are in a tight spot their is always the Indian solution.

[Signa]

Because when you are in a tight spot their is always the Indian solution.

Well, yeah, but can't you make the same augment for internet access? At the very least, dial-up?

[tera7]

My question is then, why isn't toilet paper a basic human right?

It is but as you know politicians are known for human right violations.