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The Finnish government has submitted draft legislation to support the EU’s gigabit regulation, aimed at accelerating the rollout of high-capacity electronic communications networks.
The proposal, presented to Parliament on 21 August 2025, introduces a new law that would replace Finland’s existing co-construction legislation. It would complement the EU regulation focused on reducing costs linked to deploying gigabit-capable infrastructure.
Under the EU regulation, all European households are to be provided with gigabit-speed connections by 2030. The regulation introduces shared infrastructure use, simplified permitting, and the creation of centralised data services across the EU.
In Finland, the proposed legislation would set up a centralised permit platform. Applicants could submit requests electronically for permissions and installation rights required for physical network deployment.
A key mechanism would be the introduction of a “silent approval” process. If an authority does not process an application within four months, the permit would be considered granted by default.
Tommi Veistämö, Senior Statistician at Statistics Finland, said the new national law would align with these EU requirements while making use of domestic flexibility. The law would consider the needs of rural communities and small municipalities, particularly in areas with fewer than 3,500 residents. These areas would be given a 12-month transition period to comply with minimum data-sharing obligations through the central information point.
The shared-use obligation would be expanded to include private commercial buildings in rural areas. The co-construction requirement would apply not only to publicly funded projects but also to private sector initiatives.
Preliminary notifications for upcoming infrastructure works would be subject to longer deadlines. Minor repairs and maintenance would be exempt from permit procedures.
Obligations related to in-building network infrastructure would not apply to detached houses, seasonal properties, or buildings where installing fibre would be deemed unreasonable due to cost or building purpose.
The law would exclude certain requirements from applying to nationally critical infrastructure, such as communications systems essential to healthcare service continuity.
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, would oversee compliance and act as a dispute resolution body.
Parliament is expected to begin deliberations with a preliminary debate in a full session. The bill will then be reviewed in committee before returning to the full chamber for further discussion.
The law is intended to take effect in November 2025. From that point, the EU regulation’s obligations will be implemented in full across the country.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
