Finland: Amendments to Government Decree on Radio Spectrum Usage and Frequency Allocation Plan

NordenBladet — On 8 April 2021, the Finnish Government issued a decree amending the radio spectrum usage and frequency allocation plan (Spectrum Decree). The decree will enter into force on 9 April 2021.

Under the Spectrum Decree, the frequency bands 2300-2320 MHz and 24.25-25.1 GHz are allocated for the provision of minor local network service in the mobile communications network. Finland is the first country in Europe to have introduced the entire 26 GHz frequency band for the use of 5G, allocating a specific frequency band for local 5G networks.

The 1.5 GHz frequency band is allocated for dynamic shared use of wireless broadband and radio equipment destined for military defence. Seen that a dynamic shared use of the frequency band reserved for mobile networks will make future use of frequencies more efficient and flexible, Finland is determined to promote this goal as a global leader.

The draft decree was available for public consultation on the online consultation service during 3-24 February 2021. A total of 32 opinions were received by the set deadline. In most of the submissions, the proposed amendments were seen as justified. It was considered that the envisaged amendments would promote novel business models, innovation and services. It was also noted that the amendments would contribute to managing the increasing demand for frequencies and also secure the operations of the defence administration. The public consultation did not give rise to any changes to the factual content of the Decree.

What next?
The decree will enter into force on 9 April 2021. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom will start to grant radio licences for the local mobile networks referred to in the Decree during the spring term.