Qualifications and Frequencies in Amateur Radio Operations
Possession and use of transmitters belonging to an amateur radio station require a radio license. The applicant must hold an amateur radio operator’s certificate of competence, which is obtained by passing an examination. Transmitters may operate only on frequencies allocated to amateur radio communications. The station’s call sign is specified in the radio license.
On this page
- Foreign radio amateurs
- Frequencies Allocated to Amateur Radio Operations
- Radio License and Call Signs
- Amateur Radio Qualification is Demonstrated by an Examination
- Examination Modules
- Applying for an Amateur Radio License
- Termination of a radio licence
Foreign radio amateurs
Foreign radio amateurs with a CEPT license can operate amateur radio in Finland without a special permit for a stay of up to three months. The temporary call sign to be used is OH/your call (just the prefix OH without district number). If you operate in Åland, you need to use OH0 instead of OH, and in case you organize a trip to Märket Reef, the correct prefix is OJ0.
Frequencies Allocated to Amateur Radio Operations
Within the frequency range of 26–2450 MHz, an amateur radio transmitter may operate only on those frequency bands that are allocated to amateur radio services in the Traficom´s Radio Frequency Regulation 4 or in the international Radio Regulations (ITU).
Radio License and Call Signs
An applicant for a radio license must hold an amateur radio operator’s certificate of competence.
An amateur radio call sign is issued in connection with the radio license. Call signs are normally assigned from the OH prefix series. In the license application, the applicant may request a specific number for the numerical part of the call sign; if no preference is given, the number is assigned randomly.
The number 0 is assigned only to amateur radio stations located in Åland. In addition to the prefix and the number, a call sign includes a suffix. Unless otherwise requested, the suffix is assigned as an available three-letter combination.
If desired, the applicant may choose a custom call sign. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom charges a separate fee for a custom call sign. The prefix of a custom call sign may be OH or OG. The numerical part can be any number from 1 to 9. The suffix may consist of the letters A–Z and the digits 0–9, and it may contain one, two, three, or four characters. The final character must always be a letter.
Traficom processes applications in the order they are received. Once the fee has been paid, the agency grants the radio license in which the reserved call sign is recorded.
Radio License Renewal Every Five Years
A radio license is renewed automatically every five years unless the license holder cancels it.
An exception applies to all call signs beginning with OG, as well as OH call signs issued to private individuals where the suffix contains only one letter. These are valid for a fixed term of up to one license period (5 years).
If a license expires and is not renewed, the call sign listed in the license is reserved for the previous license holder for two years. After this cooling-off period, the call sign becomes available for others to apply for. The restriction period does not apply to call signs issued for a fixed term.
Fees
- Amateur radio operator’s certificate of competence: €60.00
- Amateur radio license (annual fee): €35.00
- Custom call sign for an amateur radio license: €189.99 (incl. VAT)
- Up-to-date list of currently used call signs
Amateur Radio Qualification is Demonstrated by an Examination
The amateur radio examination is modular. Each module is an independent exam. A certificate of competence is issued based on completed modules. You may complete the required modules either one at a time or all at once. Passed modules do not expire.
You obtain the basic-level certificate with modules K and T1. You obtain the general-class HAREC certificate with modules K and T2. The validity period of the amateur radio certificate of competence is not limited.
The examination fee for the certificate of competence is €60.00.
Examinations are administered by the Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL).
Examination Modules
K module
The K module is the foundation for all amateur radio classes. It contains statements about:
- emergency communications and station safety
- laws and regulations concerning amateur radio
- amateur radio operating procedures
T1 module
The T1 module is the technical exam required for the basic license class. It includes questions focused on the fundamentals of electronics and radio technology, as well as electrical safety.
T2 module
The T2 module is the technical exam required for the general license class. It includes questions focused on the application of electronics and radio technology in amateur radio operations, as well as electrical safety.
Applying for an Amateur Radio License
You may apply for a radio license once your exam results and certificate of competence are recorded in your personal data (e-services) or you have received your certificate by mail.
Basic Class Amateur Radio Operator
You may apply for either:
- a license that becomes valid immediately, or
- a license with a custom call sign
For a license that becomes valid immediately, you pay an annual frequency fee. For a custom call sign license, you receive an invoice (€189.99) and also pay the annual frequency fee.
General Class Amateur Radio Operator
In addition to the licenses mentioned above, you may apply for a special permit requiring processing for your amateur radio station. This permit may grant rights such as increased transmitter power, special frequencies, a repeater station, or other special equipment. The frequency fee is based on the relative bandwidth.