Press Releases

November 15, 2005

Operating licence for mobile phone television open for applications
Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland has announced that an operating licence for the fourth digital broadcasting network is open for applications. The commercial network, which will be the first of its kind in Europe, is meant for mobile television broadcasts and services. The licence holder will be responsible for the transmission network and management of the multiplex.

The aim of the operating licence is to lay the groundwork for a new type of content service market.

- The Government wants to actively encourage new innovations and create a favourable environment for Finnish enterprises, says Ms Susanna Huovinen, Minister of Transport and Communications. - The technological development has reached a suitable stage and there is no reason to delay, she says.

It is the intention that the services provided in the network could be received with mobile terminals in a moving car, for example. Such services include television-type programme, short videos and games.

Mobile television operations have previously been tested in a trial network in the greater Helsinki region. Digital television programmes are currently transmitted in three other digital broadcasting networks.

The mobile phone television licences will be issued by the Government for a fixed period of up to 20 years.

Further information on the application procedure

For further information please contact:
Mr Harri Pursiainen, Director-General of the Communications Department,
tel. +358 9 160 28389, +358 500 787 742
Mr Antti Kohtala, Director of Unit for Networks and Competition,
tel. +358 9 160 28392, +358 500 812 505

Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland
http://www.mintc.fi/