Frequently asked questions
- Can I purchase a radio device from a foreign online shop?
- How do I know whether a particular radio device has been approved in Finland?
- I am thinking about purchasing a radio telephone in America. It says FRS/GMRS on the phone. Can I use this equipment in Finland?
- Why did customs seize the RC car I ordered even though it bears the CE marking?
- Interference in TV reception. The quality of the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Corporation) channels is good, while there are interruptions and the picture goes into pixels on the other channels, e.g. MTV3 and Nelonen (Channel 4).
- Interference in TV reception in winter (or summer), at other times of the year the picture quality is good.
- Occasional interference in TV reception on all channels, the picture freezes, seems to break up into little squares and the sound cuts.
- Poor picture in TV reception, although there is a gap filler nearby.
- Interference in TV reception, the picture freezes, seems to break up into little squares and the sound cuts, when the neighbours use a leaf blower, lawn mower, motor sledge etc.
- A local radio station used to have a good audibility. Now it is interfered by a new station nearby, and the audibility has turned poor.
- Humming/buzzing noise on the radio.
- The base station channel receives foreign speech.
- The radio telephone picks up voice transmission of some other company even though it operates on a private channel.
- Does the mobile base station on the roof of the block opposite cause health risk?
- A high radio mast has been built near our site. On what grounds has it been built and where can you appeal?
- GSM phone gets disconnected always at the same spot on the road.
- Our family has a wireless local area network (WLAN). There are occasional problems with the connection.
- Which licences do I need for a wireless broadband access network?
- Do hearing aids, such as FM systems, IR systems and wireless devices in classrooms, require a licence?
- How many mobile network base stations are there in Finland?
- Which licences do mobile networks require?
- What is the coverage level of different operators' mobile networks?
- Is it possible to acquire a licence for a repeater for mobile network?
- I have received an invoice concerning my maritime VHF radiotelephone, but I have sold my boat together with the VHF radio. What should I do?
- Will my ship station licence be transferred to the new boat owner?
- How do I get a 9-digit number which needs to be programmed into my DSC/AIS/EPIRB equipment?
- I have a ship station licence for a maritime VHF radiotelephone and now I have replaced my old VHF with a new one. What should I do?
- I have changed boats, but I kept my maritime VHF radiotelephone which is also mentioned in the ship station licence of my previous boat. I am going to use the same VHF onboard my new boat. Is there something I need to do?
- How can I obtain a licence for a handheld maritime VHF radiotelephone? Where am I allowed to use it and what kind of a call sign should I use?
- I wish to purchase the radio amateur call sign xxx, is it available?
- We need a radio licence/frequency reservation for a radio modem network. How is it applied for?
- We need a radio licence for radio telephones/a base station. How is it applied for?
- Is a licence required for a radio telephone that functions in the 68 MHz frequency band and is used for instance in hunting? If so, how is the licence applied for?
- Is it necessary to renew the licence for a hunting radio telephone every year, or does one automatically receive the frequency fee?
- How are the frequency fees for the radio licence cancelled when the device is no longer in use?
- If I replace my current PMR radio telephone for hunting, do I need some kind of an update for my current licence in case an authority inspects my phone when I am out hunting?
- Is the licence for a radio used while hunting applied to its use or possession as well? What should I do if I do not intend to use the device in a year or so? Should I cancel the licence and apply for a new one in due course?
- I currently read on article on PMR radio telephones for a 68 MHz private radio network for hobby usage and professional communications, and I was wondering whether it is possible to apply for a licence for certain specific frequencies? Which frequencies are these? Furthermore, what kind of technical requirements does the radio device have to meet in order for the licence to be issued?
- When staying in Norway or Sweden, is it allowed to use a licensed hunting radio telephone that has been approved in Finland? To be more specific, can it be used temporarily when out hunting or fishing?
- Is it necessary to carry the radio licence with you while out hunting etc.? Does the licence have to have for instance a stamp from the bank indicating that the frequency fee has been paid?
- If I am hunting for example with my son and he uses the radio device mentioned in the licence, does he have to have a copy of the licence or is it sufficient that I can be reached?
- According to some information, registered associations can pay the frequency fee for PMR radio licences for hunting radios (RHA68) collectively. Is it possible for a smaller, unregistered group to do the same?
- Is the licence equipment or user specific? Meaning that if I purchase a device and acquire a licence for it, can I lend it to my friend or does my friend have to acquire a licence of his/her own?
- Do I have to acquire the licence first and then the device or is it possible to purchase the device first?
- Is it possible to give your radio licence to someone who is hunting with you?
- Does one licence cover several devices?
- [ Kirjoita kysymys tähän ]
- Why do I have to pay the frequency fee for the radio licence every year?
- Why is a licence required for a PMR radio telephone for a 68 MHz private radio network? Why is it not exempted from licensing?
- Which licences are needed in order to establish an FM broadcast station?
- Is it possible for me to broadcast television transmissions?
- Is it allowed to use Garmin Astro Nordic 220 tracking collars/tracking transmitters on 155 MHz in Finland?
Answers
Can I purchase a radio device from a foreign online shop?
Yes. However, you must first ensure that the device bears the CE marking and that it is accompanied with the manufacturer's declaration of conformity and that the device functions on the correct frequency. If this information is not available or something is amiss, it is advisable not to purchase the device. If you purchase radio equipment outside the EU, you are responsible for the product and the possible interference it may cause. For instance, 1.2 GHz wireless cameras or various jammers can cause severe interference to radio communications.
Further information:
Purchase guide for radio equipment [PDF, 882 KB] (in Finnish)
Purchasing abroad (European Consumer Centre)
How do I know whether a particular radio device has been approved in Finland?
The device must bear the CE marking and it must be accompanied with the manufacturer's declaration of conformity. In addition, the device must function on the correct frequency.
Further information:
Purchase guide for radio equipment [PDF, 882 KB] (in Finnish)
List of radio equipment exempted from licensing (FICORA Regulation No 15)
The Frequency Allocation Table
I am thinking about purchasing a radio telephone in America. It says FRS/GMRS on the phone. Can I use this equipment in Finland?
No. FRS (family radio service) and GMRS (general mobile radio service) radio telephones are intended for use only in USA. Therefore they lack the manufacturer's declaration of conformity that is in compliance with the European requirements, and the frequencies they function on differ from the ones we use.
Further information:
Purchase guide for radio equipment [PDF, 882 KB] (in Finnish)
Why did customs seize the RC car I ordered even though it bears the CE marking?
Did you ensure that your RC car functions on the correct frequency before you purchased it? Customs can prohibit the import of radio devices functioning on wrong frequencies. The CE marking entails that the device is accompanied with the manufacturer's declaration of conformity that is in compliance with the European requirements. However, the CE marking does not mean that the device could be automatically used throughout the EU. The use of radio frequencies is planned differently in EU countries and the use of frequencies is only partially harmonised. For example, 49 MHz RC devices can be used in some few EU countries, but not in Finland.
Further information:
Purchase guide for radio equipment [PDF, 882 KB] ( in Finnish)
CE marking (Finnish Consumer Agency) (in Finnish)
Interference in TV reception. The quality of the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Corporation) channels is good, while there are interruptions and the picture goes into pixels on the other channels, e.g. MTV3 and Nelonen (Channel 4).
Start by checking if the antenna is a so-called wideband UHF antenna. If the antenna is not broadband enough, some of the multiplexes may have a weaker antenna gain. In addition, ensure that the antenna is directed correctly and that the right, that is, the strongest transmitter channels have been programmed into the receiver.
If the receiver is in a place where the signal can be received from several transmitters, the set-top box, by auto search, may save the weakest transmitter channels. In such a case, the channel search has to be done separately for each channel (manual search). The correct channels for each area can be found at http://www.digitv.fi/. In communal antenna premises one reason may be that the programmed channels of the master amplifier do not comply with the changed transmitter channels in the multiplexes.
Interference in TV reception in winter (or summer), at other times of the year the picture quality is good.
The received signal strength is subject to seasonal variation. In winter time the antenna collects snow and ice, which weakens the antenna features and the gain may drop. On the other hand, in summer the received signal may be attenuated by the leaves on the trees and other vegetation.
Occasional interference in TV reception on all channels, the picture freezes, seems to break up into little squares and the sound cuts.
Check that the received signal is strong enough. Its strength should be at least 70 - 80 % of the maximum value. However, if the indicator depicting the quality of the signal gives a poor result even though the signal is strong, the antenna amplifier gain may be set too high.
Poor picture in TV reception, although there is a gap filler nearby.
Check if the same channels are being used in the gap filler and the main transmitter. You might have to reprogramme the right channels into the set-top box/receiver.
Interference in TV reception, the picture freezes, seems to break up into little squares and the sound cuts, when the neighbours use a leaf blower, lawn mower, motor sledge etc.
Check that the received signal is strong enough. Its strength should be at least 70 - 80 % of the maximum value. If the strength of the signal is low, digital reception loses its tolerance for interference significantly.
You will find further information at Digital Television Info.
A local radio station used to have a good audibility. Now it is interfered by a new station nearby, and the audibility has turned poor.
Check the coverage area of the local radio station in question. Interference-free reception cannot be guaranteed at the borders of, or outside the coverage area. You can try to improve the situation by using a directional antenna. In antenna matters you should contact an antenna contractor familiar with local conditions.
Humming/buzzing noise on the radio.
Check that no other electric appliance in your home is causing the interference. Switch off all electric appliances one by one. Many of the electric appliances used at home must be disconnected from the main power network. It is not enough to turn them off from the current switch. Either pull out the power supply cord or remove the fuses one by one. If possible, find out if your neighbours or the people in the local area have the same interference problem, or, for instance if the interference affects your car radio. If the interference does not originate from your own electric appliances, and there are no technical problems preventing an interference-free reception (outdoor antenna, the signal of the receiver is strong enough), the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority can be notified about the interference.
The base station channel receives foreign speech.
This is probably a so-called long-distance propagation of radio waves due to exceptional weather conditions. You have to wait for better conditions for radio communication.
The radio telephone picks up voice transmission of some other company even though it operates on a private channel.
Contact the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority. Give the characteristics of your radio system licence.
Does the mobile base station on the roof of the block opposite cause health risk?
The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority does not handle radiation safety matters. Responsible authorities are the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority Finland and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
A high radio mast has been built near our site. On what grounds has it been built and where can you appeal?
The building inspection in the municipalities regulates building of radio masts. Accordingly, please contact the building inspection in your home municipality.
GSM phone gets disconnected always at the same spot on the road.
You may inform your mobile operator of the problem. It should be noted that the operators have no obligation to build a country-wide, ubiquitous coverage.
Our family has a wireless local area network (WLAN). There are occasional problems with the connection.
Normally wireless local networks operate on frequency bands exempted from licensing, and there may be a lot of other users on the frequencies, too. On these frequencies interference-free operation cannot be guaranteed.
Which licences do I need for a wireless broadband access network?
A licence issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications is always needed in order to operate mobile broadband networks. In addition, a radio licence issued by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority is needed for base station transmitters for radio network (for instance, in the Mobile WiMAX frequency band 3.5 GHz).
Fixed wireless broadband access networks require a radio licence (WLL, FWA) issued by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority.
Wireless broadband services exempted from licensing can be provided via the frequencies and under the terms defined in FICORA's Regulation 15:
- 2400 - 2483.5 MHz (WLAN, wireless local area network, 802.11b and 802.11g)
- 5150 - 5350 MHz and 5470 - 5725 MHz (RLAN, radio local area network)
- 5725 - 5795 MHz and 5815–5850 MHz (Broadband Fixed Wireless Access, BFWA)
Do hearing aids, such as FM systems, IR systems and wireless devices in classrooms, require a licence?
In section 1 paragraph 13 in Regulation 15 on licence-exempt radio equipment and its appendix (13), there is a list of equipment exempted from licensing.
Technical guidelines for using these frequencies can also be found in Radio Frequency Regulation No 4, under the frequency in question.
Licence is not required for infra-red-based hearing aids.
How many mobile network base stations are there in Finland?
No public information has been gathered on the total number of base stations. Additionally, the number of single base stations can vary in operators' networks due to big summer events and other factors affecting the radio network.
According to 'YO107 "Mastot maisemassa"'(in Finnish), a publication by the Ministry of the Environment, the number of masts in 2003 was 6,400, and some 200 masts were also in planning. Some of these masts are completely new and some are designed to replace older masts.
Which licences do mobile networks require?
A licence issued by the Government is always needed in order to operate mobile networks. In addition, a radio licence issued by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority is needed for base station transmitters for radio network.
Common mobile networks subject to licence include:
- @450 (Digita's wireless broadband network functioning in the 450 MHz frequency band)
- GSM, GSM900, E-GSM900 and GSM1800 (second generation mobile network)
- UMTS900 and UMTS (third generation mobile network)
- LTE (evolution of UMTS networks)
Private/closed networks subject to licence include:
- Public authority network VIRVE
- GSM network for the railways GSM-R
What is the coverage level of different operators' mobile networks?
Telecommunications operators' coverage maps
Digita's @ 450 map services
Is it possible to acquire a licence for a repeater for mobile network?
FICORA does not grant radio licences for possession and use of mobile network repeaters. The reason is that mobile network frequencies are intended to be used by mobile network operators with concession, and not for the operation of individual repeaters. Other repeaters than those belonging to a network operator may cause interference or restrict the operation of mobile networks with concession.I have received an invoice concerning my maritime VHF radiotelephone, but I have sold my boat together with the VHF radio. What should I do?
A frequency fee for a radio licence may be withdrawn if the licence holder gives a notice regarding the radio licence. This may be done by sending the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority a letter, fax or an e-mail (radiocom(at)ficora.fi). This must be done by due date of the original fee or before the next payment period begins. Then there is no obligation to pay the frequency fee any more.
Will my ship station licence be transferred to the new boat owner?
No, the previous owner must cancel the ship station licence either by mail, fax or e-mail (radiocom(at)ficora.fi). The new owner must then apply for a new ship station licence for himself/herself.
How do I get a 9-digit number which needs to be programmed into my DSC/AIS/EPIRB equipment?
The number in question is the international Maritime Mobile Service Identity, better known as the MMSI number. It is written on the ship station licence. It is necessary to apply for a licence for all maritime radio transmitters, and therefore any DSC, AIS or EPIRB transmitters must be mentioned in the ship station licence application form.
If a ship station licence is applied for equipment that has already been programmed with an MMSI number, it is necessary to mention this MMSI in the application form. Every radio transmitter on board a vessel must use the same MMSI that is shown on the licence.
The Finnish MMSI numbers begin with the numbers 230 (country code).
I have a ship station licence for a maritime VHF radiotelephone and now I have replaced my old VHF with a new one. What should I do?
If the previous and the new equipment have the same functions, your licence is still valid as such. If the previous equipment was an old-fashioned maritime VHF radiotelephone, but the new one is fitted with DSC function, you must inform the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority about this change. The best way to do this is to send FICORA an application form or an e-mail (radiocom(at)ficora.fi). After having done this, you will receive a new licence in due time. Your new licence includes your MMSI number which should be programmed into the equipment.
If a radio licence is applied for equipment which has already been programmed with an MMSI number of the previous owner, it is necessary to mention this MMSI in the application.
I have changed boats, but I kept my maritime VHF radiotelephone which is also mentioned in the ship station licence of my previous boat. I am going to use the same VHF onboard my new boat. Is there something I need to do?
You must inform the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority that the name of the vessel has changed. The easiest way to do it is to fill in the Ship Station Licence application form with new details. Similarly, it is necessary to inform FICORA if the VHF/DSC equipment on board the new boat is programmed with an MMSI number which differs from the one in your radio licence.
It is very important that the maritime VHF/DSC equipment on board a vessel is programmed with the same MMSI number which is mentioned in the ship station licence of the said vessel.
How can I obtain a licence for a handheld maritime VHF radiotelephone? Where am I allowed to use it and what kind of a call sign should I use?
A maritime handheld VHF radiotelephone must also be mentioned in the Ship Station Licence. The licence gives the right to use the hand VHF on board the vessel mentioned in this licence. In this case a rowing boat or a comparable watercraft is defined as a vessel.
If a vessel has a fixed installed maritime VHF in addition to a handheld VHF, it is allowed to use this handheld radio for communication between the main vessel ("mother ship") and a jolly boat ("daughter ship"), for example. In such a case, the person using the handheld VHF must clearly specify that he/she is onboard a "daughter ship". A good practice would be to use the call sign of the "mother ship", but add words like "daughter vessel" or "jolly boat" after the call sign. This would make it possible for those who follow the communication to be aware of what is going on. Only holders of an appropriate operator's certificate are allowed to participate in the communication.
It is mainly forbidden to use a maritime VHF radiotelephone ashore.
I wish to purchase the radio amateur call sign xxx, is it available?
Radio amateur call signs that are in use, reserved or subject to a qualifying period can be found here (in Finnish).
Further information on radio amateur call signs that are subject to a fee can be found here.
We need a radio licence/frequency reservation for a radio modem network. How is it applied for?
A radio licence/frequency reservation can be applied for by FICORA's application form .
Contact information can be found at the bottom of the application form and the application can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail. If maps are included as an appendix, it is not advisable to use fax because the possible markings made on the maps are usually unreadable.
Technical information (transmission power, antenna gain/type, antenna polarisation, type and length of the antenna cable, height of antenna above ground level) on the network stations is required as well as basic maps indicating the placement of the antennas. Information on the stations can be given collectively in a separate table so that it is not required to fill in a separate application form for every station. It is advisable to include a chart of the network depicting the structure of the network in the application form. Furthermore, there needs to be information into which frequency band (for instance 440 - 470 MHz) the equipment is tuned, channel bandwidth and the number of frequencies needed.
We need a radio licence for radio telephones/a base station. How is it applied for?
The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority issues the licence/frequency reservation and it can be applied for by the application form for VHF/UHF radio system, or if there are only portable stations included in the system, the application form for portable VHF/UHF radio equipment is to be used.
Contact information can be found at the bottom of the application form and the application can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail. If maps are included as an appendix, it is not advisable to use fax because the possible markings made on the maps are usually unreadable.
Technical information (transmission power, antenna gain/type, type and length of the antenna cable, height of antenna above ground level) on the network stations is required as well as basic maps indicating the placement of the antennas. As regards portable stations, information on transmission power, usage area and the number of transmitters is needed. Furthermore, there needs to be information into which frequency band (for instance 440 - 470 MHz) the equipment is tuned, channel width and the number of frequencies needed.
Is a licence required for a radio telephone that functions in the 68 MHz frequency band and is used for instance in hunting? If so, how is the licence applied for?
A 68 MHz hunting radio telephone functioning on the so-called RHA68 frequencies requires a PMR licence. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority grants a licence for a radio telephone on application. A radio licence is valid for five years at a time and it is renewed automatically before it expires. The frequency fee related to the licence is sent to the customer automatically every year.
FICORA issues a licence electronically, https://eservices.ficora.fi/ or it can be applied for by the application form for portable VHF/UHF radio equipment, which may be sent by mail or e-mail. You may also send a free-form application. FICORA needs the following information: name of the applicant, address, identity number and phone number as well as the purpose of the device and the number of devices.
Is it necessary to renew the licence for a hunting radio telephone every year, or does one automatically receive the frequency fee?
A radio licence for a 68 MHz private radio network (PMR) for hobby usage and professional communications is valid for five years at a time and it is renewed automatically before it expires. The frequency fee related to the licence is sent to the customer automatically every year.
How are the frequency fees for the radio licence cancelled when the device is no longer in use?
Frequency fees for a radio licence can be cancelled by revoking the radio licence by sending the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority a letter, fax or an e-mail (radiocom(at)ficora.fi). If a frequency fee has been sent for the radio licence, the licence must be cancelled by due date of the original fee or before the following invoice period starts so that there no longer is an obligation to pay the fee.
If I replace my current PMR radio telephone for hunting, do I need some kind of an update for my current licence in case an authority inspects my phone when I am out hunting?
The device is no longer specified in the PMR radio licence and therefore the type designation or serial number is not mentioned in the licence. Therefore, if the device is replaced, no actions are required and the licence with its current information is valid.
Is the licence for a radio used while hunting applied to its use or possession as well? What should I do if I do not intend to use the device in a year or so? Should I cancel the licence and apply for a new one in due course?
The requirement to have a radio licence applies to both use and possession of a radio transmitter. If someone owns a radio transmitter, it usually means that they at least have it in their possession. However, if the owner of the radio transmitter does not use or possess the radio he or she owns, then the requirement for a radio licence concerns the holder of the radio transmitter.
The possession of a radio transmitter does not automatically mean that a radio licence is required. As regards the case at hand, if there are periods under which the equipment is not used, then the section 7 (3) of the Act on Radio Frequencies and Telecommunications Equipment can be applied. According to the Act, a radio licence is not needed for the possession of a radio transmitter if it is evident that the purpose of the possession is not to use the device in radio communication. Therefore during the periods when the radio transmitter is not in use, the manner in which the transmitter is stored should indicate that there is no intention of using it. Thus the holder of the radio transmitter is practically responsible for that the purpose of possessing the transmitter is clear enough.
Therefore, if it is clear that the purpose of possessing a hunting radio is not to use it for radio communication, the radio licence can be revoked. Thus the obligation to pay the frequency fee that is collected annually expires from the beginning of the next payment period if the licence has been revoked before the due date of the invoice or before the beginning of the next payment period. When the radio transmitter is returned to use, a new radio licence must be acquired.
I currently read on article on PMR radio telephones for a 68 MHz private radio network for hobby usage and professional communications, and I was wondering whether it is possible to apply for a licence for certain specific frequencies? Which frequencies are these? Furthermore, what kind of technical requirements does the radio device have to meet in order for the licence to be issued?
The answers to these questions can be found on our website, in other radio equipment subject to licence (in Finnish) and in the notice.
As it turns out, there are 26 channels in the 68 MHz frequency band that are reserved for hobby usage and professional communications in the entire country. The staff in shops specialised in this type of equipment can recommend devices specifically programmed for this purpose. This equipment is subject to licence. Additionally, PMR446 radio telephones that are exempted from licence are a useful alternative if there are no great requirements for the distance of the connection.
When staying in Norway or Sweden, is it allowed to use a licensed hunting radio telephone that has been approved in Finland? To be more specific, can it be used temporarily when out hunting or fishing?
The radio licence for a hunting radio telephone is valid only within Finland. As regards a hunting radio phone, a radio licence issued by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority is not valid in Sweden or in Norway. Information on licences in Sweden can be found at www.pts.se, in Norway at www.npt.no and in Estonia at http://www.tja.ee.
Is it necessary to carry the radio licence with you while out hunting etc.? Does the licence have to have for instance a stamp from the bank indicating that the frequency fee has been paid?
According to the law, you must carry the radio licence with you or keep the licence in the vicinity of the radio transmitter only in special cases if it is required in the terms of the radio licence. Therefore, it is not necessary to carry the radio licence for a PMR radio telephone used in hunting, with you. However, if the users or holders of radio transmitters happen to carry their licences with them, they must on request show the licence to inspectors from FICORA monitoring the use of radio transmitters.
Furthermore, it is advisable to carry the radio licence with you since it makes it easier for example for the police to inspect licences. On the other hand, inspectors appointed by FICORA who supervise the use of radio transmitters have with them information on valid licences and their holders, so in most cases they can use this information during their monitoring in order to check whether a particular licence has been paid for.
There need not be an entry in the radio licence to indicate that the frequency fee has been paid. All in all, it is not necessary to carry any receipts with you. However, if necessary, the holder of a radio licence is obliged to provide the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority with information that is needed when charging the fees. Even though it is not necessary to carry any receipts for the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority, it is possible that the presidents of hunting clubs may wish to see them.
If I am hunting for example with my son and he uses the radio device mentioned in the licence, does he have to have a copy of the licence or is it sufficient that I can be reached?
Your son does not need to have his own copy of the licence. According to the law, you must carry the radio licence with you or keep the licence in the vicinity of the radio transmitter only in special cases if it is required in the terms of the radio licence. It is not required to carry the radio licence for a 68 MHz PMR radio telephone used in hunting with you, but it is nevertheless advisable due to the reasons given in the answer to the previous question.
According to some information, registered associations can pay the frequency fee for PMR radio licences for hunting radios (RHA68) collectively. Is it possible for a smaller, unregistered group to do the same?
A radio licence can be issued only for a natural person or a legal person. No radio licence, including a licence for a hunting radio, can be granted to an unregistered group since it is not a legally competent person.
As regards the practice of issuing radio licences, joint PMR radio licences for 68 MHz radio telephones used in hunting have been issued for registered hunting clubs. In these cases the general view is that the hunting club has their own radio system or network that is used for instance when the club is out hunting together. Additionally, in these kinds of cases a gradation of prices that is based on the number of portable stations in the Private Mobile Radio (PMR) has been applied to the frequency fees that have been charged.
Is the licence equipment or user specific? Meaning that if I purchase a device and acquire a licence for it, can I lend it to my friend or does my friend have to acquire a licence of his/her own?
The radio licence is not solely user specific. Pursuant to section 11 of the Act on Radio Frequencies and Telecommunications Equipment, a radio transmitter can temporarily be given to someone else for use. Even then the holder of the licence is responsible for that the radio transmitter is used according to the licence terms. For other than temporary use a licence of one's own is required. According to the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority, a temporary use means a short-lasting use, normally no longer than about two weeks.
If the radio transmitter is one that is used in maritime or in amateur communication and it requires a certificate issued by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority, it is allowed for a person without a certificate to use the transmitter within the supervision of the licence holder (section 15(2)).
Do I have to acquire the licence first and then the device or is it possible to purchase the device first?
A radio licence is usually required even for the possession of a radio transmitter subject to licence. However, in practice the radio transmitter is usually purchased before the decision on the licence has been made, or alternatively the radio licence is acquired at the same time when the transmitter is bought. If the radio transmitter is purchased before the decision on the licence has been made, it must not be used before receiving the licence decision. Additionally, the radio transmitter must be kept so that it is evident that the purpose is not to use it for radio communication before receiving the licence decision.
Is it possible to give your radio licence to someone who is hunting with you?
It is not possible to give the radio licence to someone else in this manner. Usually it is possible to transfer a radio licence to someone, or it is transferred to someone only in special cases. The provisions concerning the matter are given in section 11 of the Act on Radio Frequencies and Telecommunications Equipment (1015/2001).
However, it is allowed to give the radio transmitter to someone else for use temporarily. Even then the holder of the licence is responsible for that the radio transmitter is used according to the licence terms.
Does one licence cover several devices?
Yes. The number of devices must be mentioned in the licence application form. The number of devices is to be given in the appendix 'technical licence conditions of the radio licence'. If the number of devices changes, the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority must be notified.
[ Kirjoita kysymys tähän ]
Why do I have to pay the frequency fee for the radio licence every year?
The frequency fees for radio transmitters are based on the Decree of the Ministry of Transport and Communications on the fees collected by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority for radio administrative services (1222/2010) (in Finnish).
The decree is given under section 8 in the Act on Charge Criteria of the State (150/1992) issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Why is a licence required for a PMR radio telephone for a 68 MHz private radio network? Why is it not exempted from licensing?
Some of the reasons for the 68 MHz radio transmitters being subject to licence are:
- The use of the channels in question is not harmonised in Europe. They are assigned for use according to the notice RHA68 in Finland only. This licence procedure ensures that the use does not cause harmful interference to the use of radio frequencies in neighbouring countries.
- The licence procedure helps FICORA monitor and supervise that radio transmitters are being used with the right purpose and according to necessary terms of usage.
- The licence procedure enables the monitoring of the number of devices using the channels in the 68 MHz frequency band, and thus new channels can be assigned for this use, if necessary.
- Similarly it is possible to monitor how the devices using the channels in the 68 MHz frequency band are used as well as their purposes, and thus licence conditions can be altered according to the needs of the users, whenever possible. Owing to the changes made in the previous years, 68 MHz radio transmitters can be used nowadays in a more flexible manner for hobby usage and professional communications.
Which licences are needed in order to establish an FM broadcast station?
A radio licence is always required in order to use an FM broadcast transmitter, and in most cases a licence (concession) issued either by the Government or the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority is also needed.
The transmitter must always be approved by the EU, that is, the radio equipment must bear the so-called CE marking. In practice this means that the device must be factory made.
If the network coverage area that is needed is very limited, such as a sports field and its surroundings, a transmitter with a transmission power less than 10 W is sufficient. This type of small-scale broadcasting meant for a small and continuous area does not require a concession, but a radio licence issued by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority is sufficient for the use of the transmitter. The licence will be issued provided that a frequency suitable for this type of use can be found.
If the network coverage area needs to be bigger but the operation lasts no more than three months, the licence procedure is simple: a radio licence is sufficient if the transmitter has a radiated power of maximum 50 W. With a higher power transmitter a concession is needed in addition to a radio licence, but the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority can issue it for a period of three months.
A licence issued by the Government (concession) is needed for continuous use. The Ministry of Transport and Communications declares available frequencies to be applied for from time to time. Even then a radio licence is needed in addition to the concession.
Is it possible for me to broadcast television transmissions?
If the use of the TV transmitter is continuous (i.e. it is used for TV network operation), a licence issued by the Government (concession) is needed as well as a radio licence for the actual transmitter.
If the operation does not last more than a month and the radiated power of the transmitter used in the digital television operation is no more than two kilowatts, a concession issued by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority is sufficient. Concession cannot be issued for consecutive periods. Furthermore, a radio licence is required in order to use a TV transmitter.
A network licence (concession) is not required in order to provide a network service via digital terrestial mass communication network if the operation lasts no more than two weeks and the radiated power of the television transmitter used in the operation is no more than 50 watts. Even then a radio licence is needed for the transmitter.
Is it allowed to use Garmin Astro Nordic 220 tracking collars/tracking transmitters on 155 MHz in Finland?
FICORA has published a related notice for customers:
