Finland Ends 150-Year Landline Era

Jun 30, 2026

59 min

Jun 30, 2026 19:30

Finland ends nearly 150 years of landline service as fixed-line network goes silent

## End of an Era

Finland has officially shut down its nationwide landline telephone network, marking the end of nearly 150 years of service. This transition to digital communications was finalized on June 30, 2026, with the last call made between Elisa's CEO Topi Manner and Jarkko Saarimäki from Finland's Transport and Communications Agency.

## Historical Significance

The Finnish landline network, established in the 1880s, was once a leading system in Europe. By the 1960s, Finland ranked seventh in Europe for landline subscriptions, with peak household ownership in the early 1990s.

## Shift to Modern Technology

The decline in landline use was driven by the rise of mobile technology, notably influenced by Nokia. By the time Elisa announced the network's retirement, only a few thousand customers still relied on it. Other operators like Telia and DNA had already phased out their fixed-line services.

## Future Infrastructure

Finland joins countries such as Estonia, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain in moving away from analogue landline networks. These nations now focus on fibre-optic infrastructure that supports both internet and voice communications. After the shutdown, only a few local operators will maintain limited fixed-line services in certain areas.

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