http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/ Engadget Comments for Finland says that 1Mb broadband is a right, not a privilege http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
Hotdogs and Rock'n'Roll . America Fuck Yeah !]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
Like Spain, France, Argentina, Italy, Canada, England, Ireland

But, I just love how here in the US I find people from all of those countries. Living and loving diversity]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 2:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 3:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
Pretty much the only requirement is that some poor bastard will find hes/her way here.]]>Oct 15th 2009 3:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 3:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 3:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/I've been living in America almost all my life (and still here), but after having lived in Spain, Switzerland, and Italy, America is missing in a lot.
When I read news about Japan having all this Robot business, how in Hungary (and most European countries for that matter) you get paid for going to College, and how incredibly fast and cheap the internet speeds over at England, the only thing I want to do is GTFO of here ASAP.]]>Oct 15th 2009 3:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/

not for transport expenses and books and such, i just get paid to stay in college, but that's ok with me :)]]>Oct 15th 2009 4:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 4:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
I don't know you but a tax rate of 9-32% national, 16-21% municipal over at Finland (according to Wikipedia) doesn't sound a hell lot to me compared to what we pay in the US.]]>Oct 15th 2009 4:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Well, I could technically move to Finland and stay there as an EU citizen. But then again, there are more people in London than there are in the whole of Finland. Decisions, decsions... :P]]>Oct 15th 2009 5:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
Can't really see how is that bad? Less people, less traffic, less crime rate, more wealth, more civilized society, faster broadband internet..

No, still not seeing it.]]>Oct 15th 2009 6:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/What about receiving only 40% of your paycheck after tax? What about the climate? As for crime, it has the highest homicide rate in the EU. But most importantly - what about jobs? You know, the reason that so many people still choose to move to the US?]]>Oct 15th 2009 7:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/With a median age of 41.6 years, Finland is one of the oldest countries, half of voters are estimated to be over 50 years old. Like most European countries, without further reforms or much higher immigration, Finland is expected to struggle with demographics, even though macroeconomic projections are healthier than in most other developed countries.


Seriously. Bald Eagle or Whooper Swan?

]]>Oct 15th 2009 7:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
For the record, I'm fine with that mostly.

But take it from a Finn about to move to Los Angeles (already lived there for a few years earlier), I'd say both the Finnish and US models have their pros and cons. I think Finland would do well to borrow a little from the US, and the US would do well to borrow a little from Finland (and Europe in general).

Except one thing. The weather. It suuuuuuuuuuucks in Finland. Terrible. I'm so glad I'm going to be back in Southern California soon.]]>Oct 16th 2009 4:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
we in australia have much worse internet and we pay more that those of you in the US]]>Oct 16th 2009 5:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 16th 2009 9:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 17th 2009 4:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/AT&T privides dsl to 40% of USA 22 out of 50 states.
By the way AT&T wireless also carries triPle the amount of 3g smartphone data than verizon. Think about that. Now that is sick. Has 3 times more Active smartphones than vzw. ]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 3:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/I hope that was a typo...

Anyway,
This doesn't take into account areas without much competition. The only ISP around here is a local telco. The "fastest connection" (according to the ad flyers) was recently bumped up to 1Mbps from 768kbps for ~$49/month (plus tax/fees/crap). And this is in a suburban area too, not in the middle of nowhere.

I'd actually take Comcast over my local telco any day.]]>Oct 15th 2009 6:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
Yes, yes it was -_-'.
Like hell Verizon would have 700Mb plans, at least for the next 3 decades.
I meant 700kb.]]>Oct 15th 2009 6:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
I have 20 mpbs]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
I actually have 8Mbps cable which works just fine. But the thought of the government putting in place the provisions to have decent broadband everywhere, is pretty awesome if you ask me. ]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
I do agree however, with the person that said that you should be able to sue a company that, say, advertises 3 mbps but gives you less.

However, I think it was here in Engadget, that it was reported that a study found that ISP providers give way less than it is advertised. ]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
Ummm you missed a meeting somewhere, Europe has been a capitalist economy since before the USA existed, where do you think it came from >?]]>Oct 15th 2009 3:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
Actually, we are both quasi-capitalist, and Europe is just a bit more quasi than we are.]]>Oct 15th 2009 3:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/It doesn't mean America is some great capitalist wonderland and all us Europeans are commies.]]>Oct 15th 2009 5:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/We still have to pay for the connection (or this would'nt be Denmark anymore) and an N draft router (if you want wifi), but now I get 50mbps , free local telephony, and HD TV for about the same price I payed for 20mbps only last year.
A recent research though showed that 88% of the people in my area have no idea about what to do whith the ugly box that is now screwed to their wall.]]>Oct 15th 2009 2:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 2:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
I'm a socialist, lol.]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
look at california]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
For some reason, we seem fine with carrying on two massively expensive wars and a similarly expensive drug war, none of which have accomplished anything.]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
No you buffone, A vital resource is water, food and intelligence something socialist lack in any great abundance.]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Correction; I don't ever remember reading a ballot item that read anything along the lines of "taxes increased to subsidize military spending while starting/retaliating/sustaining/ending a war".

If there was, I'm not sure I'd tick the 'No' box, either. If the boys are going to war, I don't want to see them going unprepared or ill equipped...]]>Oct 15th 2009 1:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/Oct 15th 2009 1:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/finland-says-that-1mb-broadband-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/
It is used by students and adults to learn and communicate, and by service providers to deliver digital content. If everybody in the country has internet access, you can bet digital media providers are going to be pouring their investments in. ]]>Oct 15th 2009 2:30PM