Finland awarded for forward-looking communications policy

Finland has been given an important recognition for its merits in implementing a forward-looking communications policy and legislation.

The GSMA Government Leadership Award was Act on Transport Services contributed to the award presented to Finland in Barcelona on Tuesday, said a government press release.

The award has been granted by the GSM Association (GSMA), the international cooperation body of mobile operators, and it was received by Minister of Transport and Communications Anne Berner.

The award was presented in connection with the MWC Barcelona event, previously known as the Mobile World Congress, which is the world's second largest annual event in the mobile sector.

In the award justifications, Finland is praised for its forward-looking communications policy as part of the transformation of transport. One of Finland's central achievements is the new Act on Transport Services in which data is seen as an integral part of the transport system, as the fifth mode of transport, the GSMA states in the award justifications.

"I would like to express our most sincere thanks for this important recognition. The award is a strong sign that we are doing the right things. Digitalisation affects the entire society, including transport," said Minister of Transport and Communications Anne Berner.

"The Act on Transport Services is unique and has attracted wide international interest. We are happy that our work has been noticed and is valued," Berner said.

The award justifications also mentioned Finland's forward-looking frequency policy, which has been drawn up to ensure that Finland will be among the first countries in which frequencies suitable for 5G will be available.