New initiatives on frequency policy and programme licences for television

Minister of Communications Suvi Lindén has decided to allow a change in the law in order to extend programme licences for television multiplexes B and C up to the end of August 2016. She is also seeking a more flexible and efficient use of frequencies.

The decision on programme licences will mean that MTV Oy, Subtv Oy, Sanoma Television Oy, Suomen Urheilutelevisio Oy, C More Entertainment Finland Oy, TV5 Finland Oy, The Walt Disney Company Ltd and Turun Kaapelitelevisio Oy could receive a government-approved permit to continue their TV operations without their licences having to be reapplied for.

In addition, there will soon be announcements for applications for completely new operating licences for multiplexes E and F.

Ms Lindén believes it is no longer relevant to stake out frequencies for one purpose and one operator for 15 years. She sees the secondary market in frequencies as a good opportunity for greater efficiency. They would be permitted in connection with the auctioning of licences. Auctioning will be a way to experiment with one frequency range in Finland for the first time at the end of the current year.