Changes to network operating and programme licences for antenna television circulated for comments

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has started preparations for an application round concerning network licences transferred for the consideration of the Government by circulating a draft for an application announcement for comments. The deadline for comments is 12 August 2016.

The Norwegian Norkring As has informed the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications that it will relinquish the licences granted to it for antenna network operations for multiplexes B, C and D in the UHF band in November 2015. As Norkring relinquished its licences, the only operators with a valid licence for the next period are Digita (A, E and F), DNA (VHF A, VHF B and VHF C) and Anvia (regional multiplex in Ostrobothnia).

In order to guarantee the continuity of television broadcasting, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is also proposing that the term of the existing network operating and programme licences be extended until 14 May 2017. Correspondingly, the Ministry proposes that the network operating licences granted to Digita, DNA and Anvia in November 2015 come into effect on 15 May 2017.