Peruslaajakaista

Peruslaajakaista, often referred to as the "basic broadband service" in English, is a Finnish government-subsidized internet service designed to provide affordable high-speed internet access to all residents of Finland. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the internet, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

The service is offered by a consortium of telecommunications companies, including DNA, Elisa, Saunalahti, and Telia. Peruslaajakaista guarantees a minimum download speed of 10 Mbit/s and an upload speed of 1 Mbit/s. The subscription fee is capped at €10 per month, making it one of the most affordable broadband options available in Finland.

The initiative was launched in 2015 as part of the Finnish government's broader strategy to promote digital inclusion and support the country's digital transformation. The service has been widely praised for its success in increasing internet penetration rates, particularly in rural areas where traditional broadband services are less available.

Peruslaajakaista has also played a significant role in supporting remote work and online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service has been extended to cover more areas and improve its technical specifications to better meet the growing demand for high-speed internet access.

As of now, Peruslaajakaista serves over 1.5 million households in Finland, contributing to the country's status as one of the most digitally connected nations in the world. The service continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure and expand its reach to further support Finland's digital society.