Session Profile: Urve Tiidus
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
2025-09-10
Political Position
The political position is focused on supporting the development of high-speed internet infrastructure, emphasizing the need to ease regulations (e.g., cable depth, mast locations). The approach centers on mitigating market failure and utilizing state and local government resources, which indicates a pragmatic and policy-based methodology. Support is given to the proposal to review the sector-specific requirements established by the Transport Administration. The objective is to create simpler conditions for telecommunications companies to build infrastructure.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of communication infrastructure regulations, including cable installation technologies (milling, communication conduit) and requirements for mast placement. Specific terminology is utilized, and reference is made to European Union regulations and Nordic practices. In subsequent remarks, the speaker connects the conduit diameter to market and consumer density, drawing upon the principles of physics and market economy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and procedural, which is characteristic of a commission rapporteur. The focus lies on the factual reporting of the Economic Committee's discussion and the referencing of the questions posed and the answers provided. The arguments are logical, relying on official explanations and relevant legislation, thereby avoiding emotional language.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The primary activity pattern involves presenting as the rapporteur for the Economic Affairs Committee at the plenary session on September 10th, summarizing the content and decisions made during the committee meeting on June 16th. The speaker is also involved in obtaining additional information (e.g., concerning the installation of antennas on churches) and subsequently transmitting it. This activity includes clarifying technical details before Parliament.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct criticism aimed at political opponents or specific groups. The focus is instead on mitigating market failures and overcoming regulatory hurdles, such as the need to review requirements set by the Transport Administration. The issues are framed primarily as regulatory or market-based obstacles, rather than political opposition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual, as the committee's decisions regarding the inclusion of the draft bill on the agenda and the conclusion of the first reading were reached by consensus. The necessity of cooperation between local governments and telecommunications operators (agreements) is highlighted, as is inter-ministerial activity (the Minister of Infrastructure is handling the review of requirements). The sharing of infrastructure among telecommunications operators is supported, in accordance with the relevant EU regulation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national regulation of communications infrastructure, though emphasis is placed on the necessity of solving the issue of high-speed internet accessibility for residents in sparsely populated areas. Local municipalities are assigned a significant role in issuing building permits and setting the conditions for infrastructure deployment. Swedish and Nordic practices are cited for comparison.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints support the easing of regulations to facilitate the operations of communication undertakings and foster market development. The draft legislation is viewed as a measure for reducing market failure. It is acknowledged that market density and the number of consumers determine the scope of investments (e.g., throat diameter), which points to a market-based approach.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is ensuring access to high-speed internet in sparsely populated areas to reduce the digital divide. The discussion addresses the installation of antennas on public buildings (local government institutions) and churches, emphasizing that this will occur by mutual agreement of the parties and taking architectural suitability into account. The installation of large masts, for example, on kindergartens, is strictly ruled out.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amendments to the regulation of communication network infrastructure, concerning the depth of cable installation, the location of masts, and the utilization of public infrastructure. The speaker is a proponent and rapporteur of the draft bill, who led the committee to a consensus decision regarding placing the bill on the plenary session agenda and concluding the first reading.
4 Speeches Analyzed