In Finland, testing of Cognitive Radio systems will be possible from the beginning of 2010. In accordance with the Government's new frequency allocation plan, Cognitive Radio systems will be allowed to use the frequency range of 470-790 MHz so that they do not interfere with other radio communications.
"Active communications policy must be strongly future-oriented. We want to support new product development and testing and ensure that Finland will be among forerunners also in this respect", says Ms Suvi Lindén, Finland's Minister of Communications.
Cognitive Radio refers to technologies that aim to select their frequency band by responding to the spectrum environment without causing unreasonable interference to it.
Cognitive Radio detects a vacant channel, adapts the band it is using to the available channel and identifies any spectrum users, particularly primary users, needing the same frequency range.
Thus Cognitive Radio networks can flexibly and efficiently make use of spectrum that, at a certain time and location, is not being used by other radio networks.
Cognitive Radio networks are expected to make the overall use of spectrum more efficient, because they can balance the spectrum load that may temporarily and locally be fairly low. They are also expected to introduce several new applications for radio equipment and networks.
Further information:
Mr Juhapekka Ristola, Director of Communications Networks Unit, tel. +358 9 160 28348, +358 400 788 530
Ms Maaret Suomi, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 9 160 28150, +358 40 700 5620
