New frequency band for 5G network construction, licences open for application

The Finnish Government has issued an invitation to apply for licences for the purpose of providing telecommunications services within the 700 MHz frequency band in the region of Åland. The deadline for applications is 20 January 2022, at 12.00 noon.

The aim is to promote the construction of 5G networks in Åland and to improve the availability of high-speed wireless broadband connections. The licences are to be granted on a technology-neutral basis, i.e. the spectrum could initially be used for providing 4G connections and later for providing 5G connections.

The Government will grant licences to telecom operators for the period of 15 March 2022-31 December 2033. There are three licences for application within the frequency bands of 703-733 and 758-788 MHz. More information about the licences and the application procedure is available on the web pages of the Ministry of Transport and Communications at www.lvm.fi/toimiluvat.

The Government granted licences for the 3.5 GHz frequency band in Åland in 2020, which allowed the construction of the first 5G networks in the region of Åland.

Next steps

The licences for the 700 MHz frequency band are to be granted in early 2022.

Inquiries:

Heidi Mäntylä, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 073, heidi.mantyla(at)gov.fi