Earth stations in the fixed satellite service

In the fixed satellite service the earth stations are stationary when transmitting. They use the frequencies allocated to the fixed satellite service (for example VSAT, SNG) in the Frequency Plan.

Receive-only earth stations

According to the Act on Radio Frequencies and Telecommunications Equipment no licence is required for the possession of a radio receiver. Therefore the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority does not have information on the characteristics and locations of receive-only satellite earth stations. Consequently, the reception cannot be protected against possible interference from other radio transmitters.

Upon application, the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority may grant protection for a receiving earth station. Special conditions on the characteristics and the location of an earth station may be laid down. The right to protection is granted for a limited period, for example for five years. The protection may require international coordination. For a decision on protection a fee will be collected as laid down in the Decree of the Ministry of Transport and Communications on the Fees of FICORA.

Transmitting earth stations

Every transmitting earth station shall have a licence issued by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority, if it is not separately exempted from licensing. An annual frequency fee, as laid down in the Decree of the Ministry of Transport and Communications on the Fees of FICORA, is collected for the licence.

The conformity with requirements of the satellite earth stations, as of other radio equipment, shall be assessed as laid down in the Act on Radio Frequencies and Telecommunications Equipment.

Owing to air traffic safety, it shall also be noticed that there are restrictions in the use of transmitting earth stations near the airports.

Contact information

You can apply for a radio transmitter licence either by mail, by fax (international +358 9 6966 410, national (09) 6966 410) or by e-mail to radiotaajuudet(at)ficora.fi. A receipt notice will be sent automatically as an answer to a duly received application transmitted by e-mail.

Forms for application for a satellite earth station are available in electronic format:

short-term licence for a transportable earth station [dot, 86 KB]

short-term licence for a transportable earth station [pdf, 109 KB]

long-term licence for earth station [dot, 153 KB]

long-term licence for earth station [pdf, 190 KB]

Forms for application for a satellite earth station can also be obtained from the Customer Service Office of FICORA.