The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority to issue programme licences for mobile television

As of 2007 the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority will start issuing licences for programmes broadcast in the new mobile television network. This type of a light operating licence procedure is expected to promote both the use of mobile television and the diversity of programmes offered in the mobile television network.

The Finnish Government discussed a reply by Parliament concerning the Act on Television and Radio Operations on 21 December 2006. The Act will enter into force in the beginning of next year.

In the reply Parliament requires that differences of interpretation with regard to copyright issues involved in mobile television be discussed on a broad basis and soon be solved within the framework of the existing copyright system.

In the mobile television network a licence is required for the provision of television and radio services only. Provision of, for example, interactive services like games is not subject to a licence.

The Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE and commercial operators do not need a separate licence for broadcasting television programmes in the mobile television network, if programmes with the same content are sent simultaneously in the conventional television network.

The mobile television network is managed by Digita Oy. The network which was opened in the beginning of December uses DVB-H technology.

Further information:Ms Liisa Ero, Director-General of Communications Department, tel. +358 9 160 28461Ms Asta Virtaniemi, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 9 160 28608, +358 40 519 6762