Published:  25.1.2017

Press release
25 January 2017
Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority and Digita

Frequency changes completed: 700 MHz band reallocated to wireless
broadband as from 1 February

On 10 January 2017, after the simulcasts of the Turku main broadcasting
station ended, terrestrial television network operator Digita completed the 700
MHz frequency change process which begun in Northern Finland in July 2015. The
use of wireless broadband in the 700 MHz frequency band can be started on 1
February 2017.

These frequency changes are based on international and national
decisions and on the Communications Policy Programme for Electronic Media
submitted by the Finnish Government to Parliament in 2012. These stipulated
that the 700 MHz frequency band used for the terrestrial TV network was to be
reallocated to wireless broadband. This required releasing the frequency band
used for Digita’s nationwide UHF network from television broadcasting.

“In the Government Programme, we are committed to
developing Finland’s digital infrastructure. The Internet of Things, for
example, requires communications networks to have an even larger connection
capacity in the future. By introducing the 700 MHz frequencies, we are
strengthening the availability and standard of high-quality wireless broadband
throughout Finland,” says Anne Berner,
Minister of Transport and Communications. 

In 2012 FICORA entered into negotiations with our
neighbouring countries on the reallocation of the 700 MHz frequency band. This
ensured sufficient frequency resources for television operations and the
uninterrupted use of frequencies. During the implementation of the change, FICORA
was responsible for coordinating communications and targeted communications at
properties with a master antenna and TV viewers, in particular.

“We successfully executed the technical design and communications
concerning the frequency changes in close cooperation with Digita. Consumers
have appreciated our advisory services helping them with channel searches. These
services will be available until the end of January,” says Kirsi Karlamaa, Director-General of FICORA.

“The 700 MHz frequency change is the single largest network change
affecting consumers in the era of digital television. Although the frequency
change has required significant investment and effort, we have been able to
implement it well and on schedule. Excellent cooperation between the Ministry
of Transport and Communications and FICORA enabled cost-effective
implementation,” says Juha-Pekka
Weckström, CEO of Digita. “We have also put a lot of effort into consumer
communications, resulting in understanding and positive feedback,” he adds.

Further information:

FICORA, Director Jarno Ilme, jarno.ilme@ficora.fi, tel. +358
295 390 574
Digita, CEO Juha-Pekka Weckström, juha-pekka.weckstrom@digita.fi,
tel. +358 400 564 754

 

The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority
(FICORA) ensures
that everyone has access to versatile, effective and secure communications in
Finland. FICORA protects the position and rights of communications service
users by guaranteeing secure data communications, a functional communications
market, reasonably priced communications services and efficient use of
frequencies.

Digita transmits
radio and television programmes to everyone living in every corner of Finland
every day of the year. We also apply the latest digital technology in order to
develop and offer versatile online television and radio services and services
based on our comprehensive network infrastructure. Our clients include media
companies as well as mobile and broadband operators offering top of the line
content.