Decision on network licences for Åland Islands deferred for the second time

For the second time, the Government has extended the deadline for granting network licences for the so-called 700 MHz spectrum in Åland Islands.

On 8 December 2021, the Finnish Government issued an invitation to apply for licences for the purpose of providing telecommunications services within the 700 MHz spectrum in the region of Åland. According to the schedule laid down in law, licence decisions should be made by 3 March 2022. However, in February, the Government decided to extend the deadline until 31 May 2022, and now made a decision to re-extend it until 3 November 2022.

Under the Act on the Autonomy of Åland, a State authority may grant a licence for public telecommunications operations for Åland only with the consent of the Government of Åland. It is justified to extend the time limit so that the Government of Åland can process the matter to a sufficient extent.

Applications for a licence were submitted by three operators: Elisa Oyj, Telia Finland Oyj and Ålands Telekommunikation ab.

There were three licences open for application within the spectrum of 703-733 and 758-788 MHz. 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, for example.

Inquiries:

Aino Koskinen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 224, aino.koskinen(at)gov.fi