450 frequencies open for application --FURTHER INFORMATION on the operating licence and application procedure--

Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland has declared one digital mobile communications network licence open for application. A part of the frequencies released from NMT450 mobile phones have now become available. The operating licence will be issued for an actor that would supplement the broadband connection supply.

The licence will primarily be issued for data transfer use. The aim is to promote the broadband connection supply in sparsely populated areas and areas with recreational housing as well as in the archipelago. Data transfer services, which are not geographically bound, of portable computers will improve as well.

- The use of frequencies for wireless broadband connections in sparsely populated areas is included in the national broadband strategy updated by the Government in January. It is the Government's aim that broadband connections would be available to nearly the entire population by the end of this year, says Ms Leena Luhtanen, Minister of Transport and Communications.

Operating licence applications must be submitted to the Ministry by 29 April 2005.

For further information please contact:
Mr Harri Pursiainen, Director-General, tel. +358 9 160 28389
Mr Antti Kohtala, Director of Unit for Networks and Competition, tel. +358 9 160 28392