Legislative project on implementing the EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act starts, aim is to accelerate the introduction of high-speed connections

In April 2024, the European Union issued a Regulation on measures to reduce the cost of deploying gigabit electronic communications networks. On 11 September 2024, the Ministry of Transport and Communications decided to launch a project to start preparing the necessary legislative amendments.

The Regulation, i.e. the so-called Gigabit Infrastructure Act, includes measures on facilitating the joint use and building of infrastructure, such as establishing a single information point and changing the permit procedures. A single information point would make it possible to electronically apply for permits and rights of way for building a physical network infrastructure.  The obligations laid down in the EU Regulation will be implemented by amending the Act on the Shared Building and Use of Network Infrastructure.

It is the aim of the European Union that, by 2030, all end users within the EU be covered by a gigabit network. The Gigabit Infrastructure Act speeds up the construction of very high capacity networks. 

What’s next?

Preparations for amending the relevant legislation will begin at the Ministry of Transport and Communications in cooperation with stakeholders. The preparation process will include a consultation round. The government proposal is scheduled to be submitted to Parliament in spring 2025.

The obligations of the Act will mainly be applied from October 2025 onwards.

Inquiries:

Sofia Lindbäck, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 165, [email protected] 

Iida Huhtanen, Senior Officer, Legal Affairs, tel. +358 29 534 2613, [email protected]