Cost of communication services
Session: The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
Date: 2025-10-22 15:30
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 11m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
MP Vadim Belobrovtsev submitted an interpellation to the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, regarding the cost and speed of communication services in Estonia, highlighting that Estonia's internet connection remains one of the slowest and most expensive in the European Union. Minister Pakosta explained that in the mobile communications sector, official price statistics are distorted by so-called 'under-the-counter' offers, where operators provide a lower price to clients who have expressed a desire to switch operators. To solve this problem, the number portability time will be accelerated to force operators to offer more favorable prices immediately. Regarding the fixed internet connection, which was Belobrovtsev's primary concern, the Minister outlined several measures. The Competition Authority's analysis of the retail market is currently underway. Furthermore, Telia has been designated as an undertaking with significant market power, which resulted in 11 new obligations aimed at revitalizing wholesale competition. Draft bill 655 is also pending in the Riigikogu, and 45 million euros have been allocated for the construction of additional cables in cooperation with local governments, with the consumer connection fee capped at 200 euros. MP Anti Allas inquired about the long-term plan for the availability of fast internet in rural areas. The Minister confirmed that while approximately 800 million euros would be needed for universal coverage, a record 45 million euros has been allocated in next year's budget. At the same time, a review of the current development plan is being considered, as covering the entire necessary sum from the state budget is unrealistic, and broader solutions are being sought, including better over-the-air connections.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Most Active Speaker
Vadim Belobrovtsev (other), who initiated the discussion and used a clarifying question to direct the focus onto the issues with fixed internet connections.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar introduced the fourth item on the agenda, which concerns the cost of communication services and is being submitted by Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev to Liisa-Ly Pakosta, the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev reminded the minister of the discussion held a year ago regarding the slowness and high cost of Estonia's internet connection, which, according to international analyses, continues to lag at the bottom end of the European Union, and requested fresh and authoritative data from the government on the situation's improvement, as well as an explanation of what steps have been taken to make the internet faster and cheaper.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta stressed that the Estonian telecommunications market is characterized by hidden retention prices—offers that operators only provide when a customer attempts to switch providers. Consequently, an amendment has been initiated to significantly shorten the number portability period, aiming to compel service providers to offer better prices immediately and thus ensure fairer competition.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the previous speaker and then gave the floor to Vadim Belobrovtsev so he could ask a clarifying question.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is highlighting the lack of progress regarding the speed and price of fixed internet connections (as opposed to mobile), inquiring about the current situation and whether the Competition Authority’s planned analysis of the retail market for communication services has already yielded any initial findings.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta confirmed that the state of fixed internet connectivity is improving thanks to several extensive measures, including the designation of Telia as an undertaking with significant market power, which imposed new competition obligations; Bill 655, which is currently being processed by the Riigikogu; and the allocation of 45 million euros for the construction of new communication cables in cooperation with local municipalities, whereby the consumer connection fee is capped at 200 euros during the construction period.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gave the floor to Anti Allas so he could ask a follow-up question.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas underscores the absolute priority of fast internet accessibility over service costs, and requests from the minister a detailed long-term plan, timeline, and the necessary budgetary resources for extending high-speed internet access to Estonia’s regions and rural areas.
Justiits- ja digiminister Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta emphasized that since the existing development plan for the broadband backbone network demands nearly 800 million euros—funding that is unavailable in the state budget—a comprehensive review of the scheme has been initiated. The goal is to identify more affordable and rapid solutions, such as advanced wireless connections and accelerating the deployment of communication masts. She noted that not every household requires expensive fiber optic cables, making a discussion regarding the actual necessity entirely pertinent.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded the consideration of the fourth agenda item, thanked the participants, and called for them to move on.