From 1 July every Finn will have the right to access to a 1Mbps (megabit per second) broadband connection.
Finland has vowed to connect everyone to a 100Mbps connection by 2015.
In the UK the government has promised a minimum connection of at least 2Mbps to all homes by 2012 but has stopped short of enshrining this as a right in law.
The Finnish deal means that from 1 July all telecommunications companies will be obliged to provide all residents with broadband lines that can run at a minimum 1Mbps speed.
Broadband commitment
Speaking to the BBC, Finland's communication minister Suvi Linden explained the thinking behind the legislation: "We considered the role of the internet in Finns everyday life. Internet services are no longer just for entertainment.
"Finland has worked hard to develop an information society and a couple of years ago we realised not everyone had access," she said.
It is believed up to 96% of the population are already online and that only about 4,000 homes still need connecting to comply with the law.
In the UK internet penetration stands at 73%.
The British government has agreed to provide everyone with a minimum 2Mbps broadband connection by 2012 but it is a commitment rather than a legally binding ruling.
"The UK has a universal service obligation which means virtually all communities will have broadband," said a spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Making broadband a legal right could have implications for countries that plan tough action on illegal file-sharing.
Both the UK and France have said they may cut off or limit the internet connections of people who persistently download music or films for free.
The Finnish government has adopted a more gentle approach.
"We will have a policy where operators will send letters to illegal file-sharers but we are not planning on cutting off access," said Ms Linden.
A poll conducted for the BBC World Service earlier this year found that almost four in five people around the world believed that access to the internet is a fundamental right.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Which is Imran's favourite song in IHLS?
Which is Imran's favourite song in IHLS?
Only a couple of days remain for the release of I HATE LUV STORYS, Imran Khan's first romantic film after JAANE TU JAANE NAA. In between these two films he did a couple of action flicks like KIDNAP and LUCK where scope for music was minimal. However, I HATE LUV STORYS with music by Vishal-Shekhar means that Imran has a lot to sing and dance around.
On being asked about his favourite song from the film, this is what Imran had to say, "'Bin Tere' is the best song in the album. It is my favourite. Period."
Now that's a surprise considering the fact that there is a quintessential love song (Jab Mila Tu) and a young dance track (Title song - I Hate Luv Storys) in the album. What made him choose 'Bin Tere' which is a sad number?
"In fact because it is a sad song, I love it the most", says Imran, "In a romantic film like ours, you should feel the need ki arrey yaar, yeh dono lovers separate ho gaye hain, they should now come together. 'Bin Tere' conveys it so very well. I am a complete sucker for numbers like these and this is why I can't have enough of 'Bin Tere'. I keep listening to it more often than any other song."
Vishal & Shekhar carry similar sentiments as well when it comes to their compositions in the film. "Of course for us each song is special", says Shekhar, "It is good to see that in case of IHLS every single track is being appreciated like crazy. Normally when a soundtrack comes out, there are one or two favourite songs at maximum. However, here the response is phenomenal because not just the individual tracks but their different versions have been noticed and appreciated as well. For that, we want to thank all our listeners for making it such a beautiful overall experience."
On being asked about his favourite song from the film, this is what Imran had to say, "'Bin Tere' is the best song in the album. It is my favourite. Period."
Now that's a surprise considering the fact that there is a quintessential love song (Jab Mila Tu) and a young dance track (Title song - I Hate Luv Storys) in the album. What made him choose 'Bin Tere' which is a sad number?
"In fact because it is a sad song, I love it the most", says Imran, "In a romantic film like ours, you should feel the need ki arrey yaar, yeh dono lovers separate ho gaye hain, they should now come together. 'Bin Tere' conveys it so very well. I am a complete sucker for numbers like these and this is why I can't have enough of 'Bin Tere'. I keep listening to it more often than any other song."
Vishal & Shekhar carry similar sentiments as well when it comes to their compositions in the film. "Of course for us each song is special", says Shekhar, "It is good to see that in case of IHLS every single track is being appreciated like crazy. Normally when a soundtrack comes out, there are one or two favourite songs at maximum. However, here the response is phenomenal because not just the individual tracks but their different versions have been noticed and appreciated as well. For that, we want to thank all our listeners for making it such a beautiful overall experience."
Sameera: I never work in 'aaya-gaya' films
In her 8 year long career, Sameera Reddy has been seen in only 10 Hindi films. Now that's quite a miniscule number for an actress who showed quite some promise when she started off and has always been known for her immense sex appeal and ability to make heads turn. One wonders what made her so choosy about the films that she does when she could have signed quite a few projects in a flurry.
"That's because I have never ever done films where it is necessary for me to show that 'hey, I am here so look at me'", says Sameera who was last seen in DE DANA DAN, "Offers do come for all actors but then it is up to you that what do you pick and choose. Do you want to do most of the films that come your way or do you want to do only something which makes remember you even years after the films have released?"
In case of Sameera, the argument indeed holds good, well for quite a few films at the least. Starting her career with MAINE DIL TUJHKO DIYA (2002), she has ever since then made an impact with MUSAFIR, TAXI NO. 9211, RACE and ONE TWO THREE.
"Since each of these names stands out, I guess my decision to do only few films is justified", she smiles, "See, for me films are not a matter of 'aaya-gaya' affairs. I don't sign those projects where no one knows what the hell they were all about. I am greedy actor. It is quality which is most important for me. That's the kind of roadmap I have set for myself."
With an award winning RED ALERT - THE WAR WITHIN up for release, we would soon know whether the road map is indeed being followed.
I've stripped more than girls in I Hate Luv Storys
Bollywood actor Imran Khan, who plays a womaniser in his new film "I Hate Luv Storys", admits he has stripped more than the girls in the film.
"I have some deadly shirtless songs and scenes. I believe I have stripped more than the girls in the film, " Imran told reports here Monday at DT Cinemas in DLF Promenade, where he was present along with co-star Sonam Kapoor and director Punit Malhotra, to promote the film.
"I Hate Luv Storys" is about two people, who are completely opposite when it comes to romance.
While Jay (Imran) doesn't believe in love, Simran (Sonam) swears by it and has a very Bollywood idea of the emotion. It is set for release July 2.
Dodging rumours of any cold war between him and actor Ranbir Kapoor, Imran said: "I don't think actors should be compared. Every actor looks different and performs differently, everyone has their own strength and weaknesses and are good in their own way."
Imran and Sonam were greeted with much fanfare at the mall. They joyfully interacted with their fans and even shook a leg together for the title song of "I Hate Luv Storys" for their audience.
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