Digital television - DVB

Digital television, DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) is a new television system based on digital transmission. DVB is standardised for aerial (RF) i.e. terrestrial distribution (DVB-T), cable distribution (DVB-C), satellite distribution (DVB-S), and handheld reception (DVB-H).

In Finland, all television transmissions are digital, as analogue television broadcasts ceased on 1 September 2007. The terrestrial digital television network now reaches 99.9 % of all Finns. Also, cable television networks are digitalised and about half of all households are connected to cable television networks.

Four multiplexes now

In Finland, digital television channels are broadcast on four terrestrial networks (i.e. multiplexes). The frequencies are located on UHF television channels (channels 21 - 60 i.e. 470 – 790 MHz). The so-called fifth multiplex, multiplex E, has now begun transmitting as the analogue transmissions have ceased.

One multiplex for mobile reception

In Finland, frequencies have also been allocated to a fourth multiplex, which has been reserved for services receivable on a mobile phone-like device or a device integrated in a mobile phone (so-called IP-datacast). The signal is distributed according to the DVB-H standard optimised for mobile reception. This has been experimented on a narrow network in the Helsinki metropolitan area in 2004 and 2005. Transmissions have been started in the beginning of 2007.

Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA)

FICORA is responsible for monitoring the functioning of communications markets and networks, and television and radio communications.

FICORA is responsible for the frequency plan for distribution networks in cooperation with the network operator and grants the radio licenses required for receivers. Also, FICORA is responsible for international cooperation related to frequency usage. The international television frequency plan will be revised almost entirely in the years to come. The characteristics and options brought along with digital transmission technology form the starting point for the new plan. FICORA's digital TV technology working group with its sub-groups discusses technological issues related to digital TV with other specialists in the sector.

FICORA grants licenses for carrying out television and radio operations in the terrestrial digital television network if the operations last no more than three months or the weekly duration does not exceed four hours. The licensee can agree on the frequency needed for operations with the network license holder in accordance with the Communications Market Act.