Are you familiar with the EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act?
The EU aims to make the deployment of high-speed communications networks easier. To achieve this, it has adopted the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA). The GIA’s requirements are legally binding in Finland as well. They apply to network builders, municipalities that process construction permits and other authorities.
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How the GIA supports high-speed network deployment and joint construction
The EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) aims to improve the availability of high-speed connectivity so that everyone in the EU has access to gigabit connections by 2030.
The Act harmonises the rules for joint construction and shared use of communications infrastructure. It also simplifies permit procedures to make network deployment faster and more cost-effective.
In Finland, the GIA will be supplemented by national legislation.
The GIA repeals the previous Broadband Cost Reduction Directive.
The GIA covers very high capacity network deployment, network builders and permit authorities
The GIA applies to very high capacity networks (VHCNs), their elements and associated facilities used to build and maintain these networks. These include masts.
The GIA’s obligations apply to
- telecommunications undertakings
- mast and infrastructure builders
- permit authorities and supervisory bodies that process permits and resolve disputes over access rights.
The GIA is directly applicable in EU Member States
The GIA has applied in EU Member States, including Finland, since 12 November 2025.
Under the GIA, Member States must provide a digital single information point to make it easier and faster to apply for permits in one place. Applicants must also be able to reach all authorities that process VHCN permit applications through this information point.
The requirements concerning the single information point have applied since 12 May 2026.
In Finland, the single information point consists of the Network Information Point and a service for applying for communications network construction permits, which we are developing at Traficom. Until the permit application service is available, the Network Information Point serves as the single information point.
GIA checklist
Basics
- The Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) is a regulation adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
- In Finland, the Regulation will be supplemented by national legislation being prepared by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
- The GIA repealed the previous Broadband Cost Reduction Directive.
- The GIA introduces a single information point, including a new service for applying for permits and rights of way for very high capacity networks (VHCNs).
- In Finland, the single information point consists of Traficom’s Network Information Point and the communications network construction permit application service currently under development. The permit application service will be available for applications for communications network construction permits in 2028 at the earliest.
Key dates
- Most provisions of the GIA became applicable on 12 November 2025.
- The GIA’s provisions on in-building infrastructure became applicable on 12 February 2026.
- The requirements concerning the single information point became applicable on 12 May 2026.
Who does the GIA apply to?
- Telecommunications undertakings and network operators that build high-speed communications networks or associated facilities.
- Network and infrastructure operators, including those in the electricity, water, transport and energy sectors.
- Public sector bodies that own or control physical infrastructure.
- Building owners and builders required to equip buildings with fibre-ready infrastructure.
- Permit authorities and supervisory bodies that process permits and resolve disputes over access rights.