Wed, Jun 10, 2026
New Study Highlights Rural Connectivity Inequalities in Finland and Sweden
A new open-access article in Telecommunication Policy presents research from UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Telecommunications and Networking. The study examines connectivity challenges in Finland and Sweden and outlines potential policy and infrastructure solutions.
Partners of the UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Telecommunications and Networking have studied the consequences of improper internet connectivity for some years, as well as potential improvements to terrestrial cellular networks.
The results are now published in an open-access article in Elsevier’s Telecommunication Policy journal, titled “Rural Connectivity Inequalities in Finland and Sweden: Evidence, Measures, and Policy Reflections.”
Highlights:
- Study shows rural areas in Finland and Sweden still face weak digital connections.
- Lived experiences reveal gaps hidden by national broadband coverage statistics.
- New measure links rurality with mobile performance to show spatial inequalities.
- Policy guidance offered to improve monitoring, fairness, and future connectivity.
Bandaranayake, S., Moradi, A., Suomalainen, T., Saarnisaari, H., Karppinen, P., Gupta, P., & van de Beek, J. (2026). Rural connectivity inequalities in Finland and Sweden: Evidence, measures, and policy reflections. Telecommunications Policy, 50 (7), 103245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2026.103245