How’d you like your Internet speed to 100 times faster than it is today?

The Finnish government has announced plans for universal broadband access across Finland assuring that no person will be further than a mile and a half away from a broadband Internet connection of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps). 

“The development of that infrastructure is to be guaranteed in a way that all members of the public and companies, regardless of location, will have an opportunity to use information society services,” said Suvi Lindén, Finland’s communications minister.

The Finnish government set the 100 Mbps speed as a minimum, hoping to have gigabit-range speeds by 2015, understanding the economic and social importance of universal broadband as well as the need for governmental leadership in reaching that goal. 

“Data connections are no longer entertainment but a necessity,” said Harri Pursiainen, the permanent secretary for the transport and communications minister. “Regional, equal communications infrastructure will not come about without state action.” 

Research has shown that users with higher Internet connection speeds are more likely to spend time online and to use podcasts and Internet videos. Finland’s plans set a goal for the country to have Internet speeds that are about 100 times the speed of the average US connection. 

via SpeedMatters

Image: Éole