Universal service
Internet is part of necessary universal services
Universal service means services considered as staple commodities, and which every consumer and company must have access to. The content of universal services with regard to internet access services is laid down in the Communications Market Act. Broadband is a part of the universal service as of 1 July 2010.
Every consumer or business customer has the right to obtain an appropriate internet connection to its permanent place of residence or business. Summer houses fall outside the scope of the regulation.
The characteristics of an appropriate internet connection can change as the information society develops.
Currently, the Ministry of Transport and Communications determines that the minimum speed of an appropriate internet connection pertaining to universal service is 1 Mbit/s.
However, sufficient minimum speeds in incoming communications are
- 750 Kbit/s over a measurement period of 24 hours; and
- 500 Kbit/s over any measurement period of 4 hours.
Universal service operators of internet access services
FICORA has designated a total of 26 telecom operators as universal service operators providing internet access services. The adjacent map [PDF, 284 KB] will show you the areas where the telecom operators have been designated as universal service providers.
User's right to have access to internet access services
In its area, a universal service provider must provide a functioning subscription to the public communications network for the consumers and business customers at their permanent place of residence or business. The subscription can be implemented either in the fixed or wireless communications network.
The speed of an internet connection must meet the minimum level referred to in the Decree of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The price of an internet connection provided by a universal service provider must be reasonable. However, the prices of subscriptions may vary in different parts of the country and the costs incurred from the production of the service can be taken into consideration in the pricing.
A universal service provider may refuse to make a subscription agreement with a customer only if the requirements laid down in legislation are fulfilled.
How do I deal with problems?
Use the search engine to check whether a universal service operator has been designated in your region for the provision of internet access services.
Contact your service provider first if your inquiry concerns the acquisition, functionality or price of internet access services.
FICORA monitors the availability of universal services and the implementation of obligations imposed on universal service operators.
You may contact FICORA, if
- you cannot come to an understanding with the telecom operator; or
- you cannot have access to a subscription in an area with any designated telecom operators.
