Improvements to operating conditions for the media and telecommunications sectors

The operating preconditions for the media and telecommunications sectors will see improvements as the regulations laid down in the Information Society Code are amended. At the same time, the name of the Information Society Code will be amended to the Act on Electronic Communications Services.

The conditions for the granting and withdrawal of programme licences for radio and television operations will be specified and the maximum time limit for radio advertisements during broadcasting will be eliminated entirely. The operating preconditions of commercial operators will be facilitated by lowering the supervision fee for television and radio broadcasting that they pay to the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority. YLE's matching contribution in turn will be increased.

The Act on Electronic Communications Services will guarantee access to television programming for viewers who are visually and hearing impaired. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will enter a decision to confirm the software to which audio and text services must be connected.

The legislative amendments will also apply to things such as the requirement for European television software.

The operating conditions for telecommunications operators will be improved by repealing the provisions related to tying terminals and subscriptions into one sale.

The legislative amendments will drive forward the Government's key deregulation project. The act is to enter into force on 1 June 2018.

What next?

The Act on Electronic Communications Services will enter into force on 1 June 2018.

The Ministry is currently looking into other parts of the legislation that require amendment. An assessment memorandum on the marketing ban for mobile telephone subscriptions and the right to process data on payment defaults and misconduct by telecommunication operators will be on rounds for comments until 19 January 2018.

Inquiries:

Ms Kreetta Simola, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 (0)295 34 2609