Finland - No purchase without due consideration

Last autumn the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority requested a statement from the Consumer Agency regarding the designation of universal service and the reasonable pricing of universal serivice products. This is not the first time the Consumer Agency has issued statements on legislation and decisions concerning universal services, emphasising aspects such as the need to take the needs of special consumer groups into consideration.

The Communications Market Act provisions on universal services are intended to ensure that telephone and internet services at a certain basic level are offered on reasonable terms to all users. In other words, it is a question of essential services that must be guaranteed for all citizens. A universal service telephone subscription can be implemented by using any suitable technology. Wireless networks are increasingly used to offer telephone services. In the view of the Consumer Agency it is important that if the user is offered a reasonably priced telephone service using a wireless network, it must be a suitable and effective alternative for the needs of every citizen. Consumers must also be offered devices that are easy to use as well as guidance on how to use their telephone service.

The needs of special groups, such as the elderly, must also be sufficiently taken into consideration. For instance, a senior citizen may not automatically end up paying a higher price for a landline network subscription. This can easily happen if there are no easy-to-use telephones on the market. Deciding on the right service for oneself should be based on a conscious decision.

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