Frustration grows over mobile phone connectivity issues in Hilmonkoski, Central Finland

Frustration is mounting over poor mobile phone connections in the village of Hilmonkoski, Central Finland. Local business owner Ahti Kauppinen expressed his anger, stating that callers often hear a message indicating that their chosen number cannot be reached. Kauppinen runs a gravel business that extends operations to Germany, where callers struggle to understand Finnish-language disconnections. To manage the situation, he maintains two phones, one on Telia’s network and one on Elisa’s.

Another resident, Osmo Kauppinen, shared that his calls drop at least once, which impacts the sale of fishing licenses via phone apps along the river. He noted that potential buyers frequently walk back and forth trying to establish a stable internet connection.

Residents throughout Finland have reported significant mobile communication issues since the dismantling of the 3G network, particularly in sparsely populated areas with high levels of vacation homes. Critics assert that alternative connections were not adequately secured before 3G was shut down, although telecommunications operators claim the situation has not worsened post-shutdown.

In response to these complaints, the municipality of Kannonkoski conducted a survey, revealing that nearly all respondents face connectivity issues. The data will be submitted to the Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom. Reports of such issues are frequent, with Traficom receiving several complaints each week, a number that is increasing.

Traficom is currently measuring mobile network coverage in the region following concerns raised by local authorities. As they assess connections, operators are required to ensure that each household and business has access to reasonably priced internet service, although this obligation does not apply to vacation homes. Local officials emphasize that these connectivity problems compromise safety, urging that reliable service is essential, especially for emergency calls.