Finland gigabit law is taking a major step forward as the government submits draft legislation designed to speed up the rollout of high-capacity electronic communications networks. The proposal, presented to Parliament on 21 August 2025, aims to replace existing co-construction legislation and align national rules with the EU’s gigabit regulation.
The EU regulation mandates that all European households should have gigabit-speed internet connections by 2030. It introduces shared infrastructure use, simplified permitting procedures, and centralised data services across member states. Finland’s proposed law seeks to put these goals into practice while addressing domestic needs.
A central feature of the legislation is the creation of a centralised permit platform. This platform will allow applicants to submit requests electronically for permissions and installation rights required for deploying physical networks. A “silent approval” process is also proposed. If an authority does not respond to a permit request within four months, the permit will automatically be granted.
Tommi Veistämö, Senior Statistician at Statistics Finland, explained that the new law would give flexibility to domestic authorities while aligning with EU requirements. Rural communities and small municipalities with fewer than 3,500 residents would receive a 12-month transition period to meet minimum data-sharing obligations through the central information point.
The shared-use requirement would be extended to private commercial buildings in rural areas. Co-construction obligations would cover both publicly funded projects and private sector initiatives. Preliminary notifications for infrastructure works would have extended deadlines, while minor maintenance and repairs would be exempt from permit requirements.
The law exempts obligations for in-building network infrastructure in detached houses, seasonal properties, or buildings where fibre installation is impractical due to cost or purpose. Certain critical national infrastructure, including communications systems essential to healthcare, would also be excluded from these requirements.
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, will oversee compliance and act as the main dispute resolution body. Parliament is expected to begin with a preliminary debate, followed by committee review and further discussion in a full session.
The law is scheduled to take effect in November 2025. From that point, Finland will fully implement the EU regulation, ensuring high-speed internet access across the country.
