What is Trinet, and what will happen to AYY’s internet connection?
Trinet is a service established in 1986 that brought internet access to Otaniemi. Initially, the connection speed was 100 Mbps, but from 2005 onwards it gradually increased up to 1 Gbps speed. This connection has been offered to all Otaniemi residents as part of the rent. In Otaniemi, Hoas has also purchased this service from AYY. While this internet connection was pioneering in the past, it is no longer competitive today. Available alternatives on the market can now offer the same service at a lower cost.
One of AYY’s strategic goals has been to keep rents at an affordable level. For several years, the Representative Council and housing cooperative ASY have aimed to limit rent increases.
It is part of normal operations to review services critically. As part of this responsibility and the student union’s cost control, the internet service provider was put out to tender. In addition, AYY complies with Varke’s (Centre for State-subsidised Housing Construction) guidelines and legislation. According to Varke’s guidelines, services produced in-house must be assessed regularly. The recent assessment of internet services was conducted thoroughly.
Introducing a more affordable service provider will reduce pressure to increase rents in the coming years. Unfortunately, this means the termination of Trinet.
News of Trinet’s termination has understandably caused reactions within the student community. In this article, I aim to respond to the most discussed questions so that everyone can form their own opinion on the matter.
Q & A
Why is Trinet terminated?
In accordance with Varke’s guidelines, the owner of a rental building must regularly assess services produced in-house, i.e., to clarify that the service costs are more affordable than those provided by an external operator. The service was put out to tender, and the difference in costs was so significant that AYY decided to terminate the in-house internet service.
How will this affect AYY residents or members?
The internet connection for AYY residents will continue to be included in the rent. The new connection speed will be 100 Mbps or 200 Mbps, and tenants will also have the opportunity to purchase additional speed. ASY and the Representative Council have been consulted on the matter. Changing the service provider will help maintain a reasonable rent level in the future.
AYY housing services and the new service provider will inform residents about practical issues once all the details are clear.
This change will only affect members living in AYY rental housing.
Will the internet connection disappear from AYY’s event and association facilities?
No need to worry—the internet connection will not disappear.
What if I want a faster connection? Will a 1 Gbps connection be available in the future?
You can purchase a faster connection, even up to 2 Gbps, from the new service provider for an additional fee. Only the connection included in the rent will be changed. In the current situation, all residents pay for their 1Gbps connection, whether or not they use or need it.
When will the change take effect?
All properties will be covered by the new service provider no later than summer 2026. The change will be implemented in stages. Residents will be informed once the schedule is confirmed.
Can the new service provider increase prices as soon as Trinet has been terminated?
No, it cannot. The agreement has been established at a fixed price for several years.
Will my rental agreement change?
No, it won’t. The internet connection speed is not specified in rental agreements.
Why didn’t AYY provide information earlier?
The Co-operation Act requires that personnel-related matters be addressed with the employees first. Trinet has employed staff for the student union. When an issue concerns personnel changes, it must be managed in accordance with the Finnish legislation.
We informed members and residents on AYY and AYY housing websites as soon as the change negotiations were completed in December 2025.
Is AYY tied to the selected internet service provider?
No, it’s not. AYY can change the service provider after the agreement period.
Further information:
Antti Ilmavirta
Executive Director
antti.ilmavirta@ayy.fi
Veera Kivivirta
Chief Financial Officer
veera.kivivirta@ayy.fi
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