Free radio frequencies attract wide interest from the industry – three applicants for the national radio network, Helsinki frequency attracts 11 applicants

The new frequencies to be allocated in the supplementary radio licensing rounds will allow for the expansion of radio reception and content offerings to new areas, thus supporting the development and maintenance of a diverse range of programming at national and local levels. The licensing rounds benefit not only the citizens who listen to radio, but also operators already involved in radio and new entrants to the industry. "This licensing round shows how vibrant the radio industry is in Finland," says lawyer Aino Koskinen.  

Three applicants for the national frequency band, 11 companies for the Helsinki frequency

Traficom received 29 applications from a total of 18 companies in the supplementary licensing round for commercial radio, which ended on 31 July 2024. Bauer Media Oy, Radio 55 Oy and Swedish-based Mad Men Media Oy applied for the new national frequency TK26. Sanoma Media Finland Oy, Järviradio Oy and Suomen Lähiradiot Oy are among those seeking individual frequencies for different locations. A large proportion of the applicants are already active in the radio sector, but there were also new entrants or applicants with short-term radio licences such as Letterbox Media Oy, RollMedia Oy and Mökkiradio Oy. The new frequencies are mainly aimed at increasing the coverage of existing radio channels, but frequencies were also sought for entirely new radio channels.

In addition to the national frequency band, a total of 56 localities applied for frequencies that had become vacant or were vacant in previous rounds. A total of 89 FM frequencies and three AM frequencies were available for individual applications. Applications for licences were submitted for 45 FM frequencies and one AM frequency. "As expected, the Helsinki frequency attracted the most interest, with 11 companies applying for it. There is a particular scarcity of free radio frequencies in the Helsinki metropolitan area," says Koskinen.

"In principle, we grant licences at Traficom, but decisions on programming licences is delegated to the Government if there are not enough frequencies for all applicants or if the decision is deemed to have a significant impact on the overall development of the communications market,” explains Koskinen. A national licence for TK26 frequency band is granted by the Government. A licence for national frequency band TK26 is valid until the end of 2032. The other licences to be granted will be valid until the end of 2029.