Next-generation communications network: what are the advantages of Enefit’s operator-neutral high-speed internet?

In today’s world, a fast and reliable internet connection is essential, but many might not know that not all internet networks are the same.

Enefit offers an operator-neutral high-speed internet network, which gives customers flexibility and confidence that they can choose a suitable service provider without worrying about the quality of the connection or any additional costs later on.

What is an operator-neutral internet network?

An operator-neutral internet network means that the owner of the network does not provide an internet service themself, but creates access to different service providers. This means that the physical network is one and the same, but the customer can choose from which service provider to order internet and TV services. It works similarly to the electricity market – Elektrilevi manages the network, but everyone can choose the electricity supplier themselves.

In the case of Enefit’s high-speed internet, a fibre optic cable is run to the house, but the telecommunications service can be ordered through Telia, Elisa, Tele2 or another provider. Changing providers is easy – if you decide in favour of another provider, the new service provider will order a technical change-over in the distribution cabinet from Enefit and the new service will be ready for use. No excavation work or additional expenses are required.

Why choose operator-neutral internet?

An operator-neutral internet network brings several important benefits:

• Freedom of choice – the customer is not tied to one specific service provider, but can choose the solution with the speed and price that suits them best.

• Better price and service – competition between providers keeps prices lower and motivates service providers to offer better quality and more additional services.

• Connection stability and quality – a fibre optic cable provides a fast and reliable connection, regardless of the service provider.

• Easy to change providers – if another service provider offers a better price or more favourable conditions, the customer can easily change providers without installing an additional cable.

Why prefer a fibre optic cable to over-the-air internet?

Many people nowadays use over-the-air (wireless) mobile internet, but its quality may often be uneven. For example, your connection speed may fluctuate due to overload, bad weather or poor signal strength. This can cause problems during video calls, streaming and other data-intensive activities.

A fibre optic cable, on the other hand, provides a stable and fast internet connection that is independent of the weather or mobile network overload. This means better connection quality, faster downloads and reliability also in the future.

Where is Enefit’s high-speed internet already in operation?

Enefit has already created the possibility to connect to high-speed internet for nearly 80,000 households across Estonia. In 2024, more than 5,000 addresses were added where connection readiness has been set up with a state support measure and additional investments, as well as in cooperation with real estate developers.

By the end of 2024, nearly 30,000 customers had joined our network.

Where is Enefit building a high-speed internet network?

When building a state-subsidised network, we have focused primarily on state-ordered areas where there is no access to a connection with a speed of at least 30 Mbps or where telecommunications operators have not yet reached.

When selecting the regions, we take into account several criteria, including the number of requests and the opportunity to reach as many users as possible with the investment made.

In addition, we work closely with companies developing new residential areas to provide future residents the freedom to choose their service provider and to ensure that their internet connection meets future needs. The larger and best-known development areas include, for example, the Volta Quarter, Tiskreoja, Raadiraja and Erminurme.

What does the process look like?

The construction of Enefit’s network begins with thorough planning, concluding land use agreements and communicating with local governments. Once all the necessary permits have been obtained, construction begins:

1. Construction of a backbone network, which will be connected to the national basic network.

2. Installation of distribution cabinets in the area, where service providers direct their signals.

3. Construction of customer lines for those who have signed a connection contract.

After the network is completed, it is possible to enter into a contract with a service provider and start using the internet service.

How long does it take to get the connection?

There is no single answer here, as the speed of creating the connection depends largely on whether the area has a fully constructed network or not.

• If the network is already in place in the area, then getting a connection can take up to 4 months.

• If network construction work is only starting in the area, it may take up to 8 months.

• When the network has been completed, it takes on average 4 weeks from the conclusion of a contract with a service provider to the actual use of the service.