Telefennät

Telefennät is the Finnish term for the telephone network, the system of interconnected facilities that enables voice communication over distance. It traditionally includes the public switched telephone network (PSTN) as well as private networks connected to it, with the aim of providing reliable, orderly paths for calls and standardized signaling.

The network emerged from early telegraph systems and expanded with the first telephone exchanges. Operators manually connected calls, then automatic switching replaced manual operators in the mid-20th century, progressing from electromechanical to electronic and digital systems. Standardized numbering (for example, the E.164 plan) and signaling protocols improved interoperability and call setup.

Infrastructure comprises access networks that reach end users, local switching centres, and trunk networks linking exchanges over longer distances. Calls are established via signaling that sets up a circuit or virtual path, with voice encoded and transmitted over the chosen medium, then released when finished. Network reliability, maintenance, and emergency service access are central concerns for providers and regulators.

In recent decades, the telefennät has become increasingly digital and converged with data networks. Voice over IP (VoIP) and mobile networks (2G–5G) carry a growing share of traffic, while legacy PSTN functionality remains for compatibility and regulatory reasons. The result is a predominantly IP-enabled, multi-service network in many regions, with ongoing work on security, QoS, and universal service obligations.