This is an interesting development from the Finns, who clearly understand the importance of making sure their citizens have universal access to this indispensable communication and information system.

While U.S. telecom regulators and service providers argue over how to manage networks or what is the best broadband speed, Finland’s government is already one upping our country with a mandate that says that broadband should be a legal right.

Finland’s telecom regulator FICORA said that all of its 5.3 million residents will be able to get a 1 Mbps connection by July 1, 2 Mbps by 2012 and 100 Mbps service by 2015 as part of its updated Universal Services Obligations (USO). By adding broadband to its USO, Finland will be the only country in the world that legally requires Internet access as a basic right.

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