Many flats in Finland already have a basic internet connection through the housing company, included in the rent, so check that before you order anything. If your home doesn't, or you want more speed, you choose between fibre, cable and 5G home internet, depending on what is available at your address.
Start with what your building already has
In apartment buildings, internet often comes with the home. This is called housing company internet (taloyhtiönetti). Elisa's moving to Finland page explains that many homes include a connection provided through the housing company, and that the basic speed is included in your rent. Elisa adds that if you want faster internet, for example for gaming or 4K streaming, you can upgrade to a higher speed.
So before you sign anything, ask your landlord or house manager:
- Does the building have housing company internet?
- Which provider runs it?
- What speed is included in the rent?
Telia also lists housing company internet as one of its home internet types.
The main types of home internet
| Type | How it reaches you | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Housing company internet | Through the building's own network | Basic speed is often included in the rent |
| Fibre (valokuitu) | Fibre optic cables in the ground, into the building | Cheaper to join if your building already has fibre |
| Cable (kaapelinetti) | The cable network, through your TV antenna socket | Uses existing cables to your antenna socket |
| 5G home internet | A mobile network, through a router at home | Depends on coverage at your address |
Fibre
DNA describes fibre as internet brought to the home through fibre optic cables laid in the ground. If you live in a building that already has a fibre connection, you just pay the monthly fee. Getting fibre to a house that isn't connected yet usually costs more, because new cabling is needed.
Cable
Cable internet uses the cable network. DNA explains that cable internet comes to your home's antenna socket through cables that are already there. If your flat has a TV antenna socket on the cable network, this may be an option.
Telia also lists VDSL2 as one of the fixed technologies it uses, alongside fibre and cable.
5G home internet
5G home internet uses the mobile network instead of a cable, with a router in your home. Telia sells this as "5G-netti kotiin" and says fixed 5G gives a better connection than ordinary mobile internet. Whether it works well depends on 5G coverage at your address.
How to check what you can get
What you can order depends on your address. Telia explains that different buildings use different broadband technologies, so available connections depend on where you live.
Every big operator has an address search on its website:
- Go to the operator's home internet page.
- Enter your postcode, street address and flat number.
- See which connection types and speeds are available.
It is worth checking more than one operator. DNA's address search also shows whether 5G is available at your address.
You can compare home internet on Landed once you know what your building supports.
Commitment periods
Home internet contracts in Finland are either fixed-term or open-ended. Traficom , the communications regulator, explains the rules:
- Fixed-term contracts run for a set period. Contracts sold together with a device are typically for two years.
- The operator isn't allowed to change the terms of a fixed-term contract during that period to your disadvantage.
- If an operator changes the terms of any contract to your disadvantage, you can end it with immediate effect.
- You can give notice orally or in writing.
Telia adds two practical points. You can't end a fixed-term contract before the period is over. And when the fixed term ends, the contract carries on as an open-ended one.
If you might move within a year or two, an open-ended contract gives you more freedom.
What you need to sign up
A monthly internet contract usually needs a Finnish identity code and a registered address. Elisa, for example, asks for a valid Finnish personal identity code and a permanent address in the population register for monthly phone and internet subscriptions. Elisa also says newcomers who have lived in Finland for less than two years pay a deposit.
When you move house
Your internet doesn't move on its own. InfoFinland says to arrange the move with your provider well in advance to avoid a break in service. DNA lets you tell it about a move one month before moving day at the earliest. Your new home may use a different technology, so run the address search again for your new address.
Landed's free checklist includes home internet in your list of moving tasks.
Quick checklist
- Ask your landlord whether housing company internet is included in the rent.
- Run an address search with more than one operator.
- Pick fibre, cable or 5G based on what your address supports.
- Check whether the contract is fixed-term or open-ended.
- Have your identity code and registered address ready.
- Tell your provider well before you move.
