Networks and services

  1. Objective and tasks
  2. Communications networks
  3. Transport system
  4. Passenger, goods and freight transport

1. Objective and tasks

We at the Ministry of Transport and Communications are committed to developing Finland’s transport system on the basis of knowledge. Our goal is to make the system more efficient, safer, and sustainable. We use technology and digitalisation to improve the overall efficiency of the transport system and we provide a solid framework for smooth everyday life and development of society. Maintaining and developing transport networks ensures they meet the needs of both people and businesses.

We ensure that communication networks remain comprehensive and reliable and meet the evolving needs of society. We also ensure a competitive and well-functioning telecommunications market, where the use of communication services is secure and efficient.

The Ministry safeguards Finland’s national and international maritime connections and air services, ensuring they are functional, safe and competitive. We create favourable conditions for future technologies, automation, and digitalisation in these sectors, while reducing their harmful environmental and climate impacts.

It is the Ministry’s responsibility that public transport services and funding are based on data and organised efficiently.  We foster a competitive transport services market, regulate it on an equal basis, and ensure accessibility. Our aim is a dynamic and attractive market that strengthens Finland’s accessibility.

2. Communications networks

Radio spectrum is a limited and valuable natural resource that can be used to provide communications services, for example. It is needed for mobile communications, wireless broadband communications, satellite communications, television broadcasting in antenna networks, and radio broadcasting. 

The use of the radio spectrum is regulated. The Government grants operating licences for the construction of mobile communications networks and for radio and television broadcasting.

The Ministry’s responsibilities include the legislative drafting and radio spectrum policy concerning the communications networks, while the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom plans and oversees spectrum use and acts as the licence, registration and supervisory authority.

Together with Traficom, we ensure that satellite systems and satellite-based systems can provide smooth and safe everyday life and the development of new services.

Network licences and radio licences

As a rule, provision of services in a mobile communications network is subject to a licence. The licence is granted by the Government.

For television operations, a network licence is required for broadcasting in the antenna network. The licence is granted by the Government. However, no licence is required for cable or satellite television operations. Network licences for short-term television broadcasting are issued by Traficom.  

Possession and use of radio transmitters require a radio licence, which, as a rule, is granted by Traficom.

Programme licence

Television broadcasting in antenna television network is subject to a programme licence. The licence applications are submitted to Traficom.

A programme licence is needed for radio broadcasting, excluding short-term and small-scale operations. As a rule, radio licences are granted by Traficom. The Finnish Broadcasting Company Ltd may provide digital public service television and radio broadcasting without a licence.

3. Transport system

Legislation on the transport system is drafted by the Ministry. It provides the basic rules for the planning, construction, maintenance and life cycle of infrastructure.

Finland's road network encompasses highways, municipal road networks and private roads. Together with the regional Economic Development Centres, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency is responsible for the maintenance and development of the state-owned road network. Municipalities and cities are responsible for their respective street networks and for keeping them in good condition. The maintenance and improvement of private roads is usually the responsibility of private road maintenance associations, landowners and various types of communities or companies.

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency is responsible for the management, development and maintenance of the rail network. The Agency also maintains Finland's waterways.

4. Passenger, goods and freight transport

The Ministry is responsible for drafting legislation on passenger, goods and freight transport services. Our mission at the Ministry is to promote safe and efficient transport services, develop the transport markets and advance new, customer-oriented services. Promotion of competition ensures efficiency and diversity. We secure the basic transport services through public procurement when necessary.

Regulation of maritime and air transport is largely determined by the EU, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Ministry drafts national legislation on safety and smooth flow of maritime and air transport and represents Finland internationally. We also ensure that connections develop on a market-driven basis.

Goods and freight transport services as well as the provision of professional passenger transport services against payment are subject to licence in all transport modes. The licences are managed by Traficom.