Finland, Spain consider broadband universal service mandates

Governments in Finland and Spain are considering measures that would see broadband as part of a universal service mandate.

The two countries have set a common goal: by 2011 any resident in Finland or Spain should be able to obtain an affordably priced 1 Mbps connection.

In Spain, the government said it will require any service provider receiving universal service funds to extend broadband service to any home in their respective serving areas by January 2011. Finland's timeline calls for a universal service mandate in place by July 1, 2010.

The two countries believe the 1 Mbps service will create a foundation to provide Internet service everywhere and allow for necessary network upgrades to accommodate higher speeds.

For more:
- see this ars technica article [1]

Related article:
USF legislation could be a game-changer for broadband innovation [2]