30.10.2009

Radio microphones and hearing aids in the frequency band 174 - 230 MHz

Radio microphones and hearing aids used in the frequency band 174 - 230 MHz are subject to licence and require a radio licence granted by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA). In the radio licence the frequencies are assigned on a case by case basis. A radio licence is required, as the use of the frequencies that the radio microphones and hearing aids operate in is not harmonized within Europe.

Radio licence application form, Word (in Finnish)
Radio licence application form, PDF (in Finnish)

In the Ficora Frequency Radio Regulation No. 4 the frequency band 174-230 MHz is primarily allocated to broadcasting. In the summer 2009, the Government granted two network licences for HDTV broadcasting. Radio microphones and hearing aids use the frequency band on a secondary basis.

The use of radio microphones and hearing aids is restricted due to TV broadcasting. Interference-free use of radio microphones and hearing aids can no longer be guaranteed, and this equipment must not cause harmful interference to television programs, either. This is why a radio licence is only granted for one year. Due to the above, it may not be possible to renew a present radio licence when it expires. FICORA may have to revoke radio licences under paragraph 4a or 7 of section 12(1), or to amend the licence conditions under section 8(3), of the Act on Radio Frequencies and Telecommunications Equipment (1015/2001).

The maximum radiated power allowed for radio microphone transmitters and aids for the hearing impaired is 10 mW ERP and the total bandwidth of emission is max. 200 kHz.

Licence-exempt frequencies for hearing aids have also been reserved within the 169 MHz frequency range, which is assigned for the purpose throughout the European Union. FICORA Regulations 4 and 15 (item 13) contain detailed information on the frequencies and other conditions of use.

The use of hearing aids in the sub-band 173.990 MHz, next to television frequencies, may be continued for now. However, there are regional restrictions. The total bandwidth of emission of this equipment is 50 kHz and the radiated power 2 mW ERP.

Radio microphones are also used in the band 800 MHz:
800 MHz radio microphones

Compliance with the requirements of radio microphones and hearing aids

It is the responsibility of manufacturers, importers and sellers of radio equipment that only interference free equipment is available. In Finland only radio equipment that complies with the requirements may be put on the market. The conformity assessment must be shown in accordance with the Act on Radio Frequencies and Telecommunications Equipment.

The equipment must bear the CE marking, and each piece of equipment must be accompanied with the manufacturer's declaration of conformity. Furthermore, information on purpose of use and the countries or geographical areas where the equipment may be used must be available.

Conformity assessment

Licence application forms and related material can also be obtained from the FICORA Customer Service Office.

Further information:
Radio Network Specialist Joni Kallio, tel. +358 9 6966 879
Senior Network Specialist Tapio Penkkala, tel. +358 9 6966 469
Inspection Engineer Juhani Hokkinen, tel. +358 9 6966 495

E-mail addresses for FICORA staff follow the format: firstname.lastname@ficora.fi.