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, [email protected], tel. +358 295 390 574 Digita, CEO Juha-Pekka Weckström, [email protected], 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.
Digita
Jämsänkatu 2
00520 Helsinki
020 411 711
Digita välittää radio- ja tv-ohjelmat luotettavasti kaikille suomalaisille vuoden jokaisena päivänä. Viimeisimmän digitaalisen tekniikan soveltajana kehitämme ja tarjoamme myös monipuolisia internet-tv- ja radiopalveluita sekä kattavaan verkkoinfrastruktuuriimme pohjautuvia palveluita. Asiakkaamme ovat parhaita sisältöjä tarjoavia mediayhtiöitä sekä mobiili- ja laajakaistaoperaattoreita.
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