Finland and Russia have agreed on how to coordinate the use of the 900 frequency band in mobile communications. As a result, third generation mobile networks operating in the 900 band can be constructed near the border, too, which will improve the availability of high-speed data connections in these areas.
Agreement on the matter was reached at a meeting of the Finnish-Russian working group on communications and information technology, held in Helsinki on 14 June.
The meeting also stated that negotiations between Finnish and Russian telecom operators concerning whole-sale prices for roaming are going forward. The maximum price set in EU countries was mentioned as a reference value. Finns travelling to Russia will benefit from the lower prices.
At the meeting, Russia proposed that practical cooperation in intelligent transport systems between the two countries could be launched on the road section between Helsinki and St. Petersburg. The parties will discuss this initiative and return to the matter at a later date.
As regards the use of radio frequencies, it was decided that an agreement concerning the 800 band will be signed before the World Radiocommunication Conference of 2012.
The Finnish delegation to the meeting was led by Permanent Secretary Harri Pursiainen and the Russian delegation by Naum Marder, Deputy Minister from the Russian Ministry of Communications and Mass Media.
The working group's next meeting will be held in early 2012.
Further information
Mr Olli-Pekka Rantala, Director of the Communications Networks Unit, tel. +358 9 160 28585 or +358 50 344 3400
