18.06.2009

Licences needed for hunting radio

VHF radiotelephones subject to licence may be used for communications when out hunting. In total 26 channels are available for the 68 MHz radiotelephone (road service, motor sport, voluntary rescue, hunting and other hobby activities.

A licence is required for the VHF telephone

A radio licence must be acquired from the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) for the possession and use of a VHF radiotelephone. A licence is granted only for equipment that complies with the requirements. A frequency fee is collected for the licence. In 2009 the frequency fee of e.g. one piece of equipment is €18.00.

Hunting radio may only use those frequencies that are reserved for it

The channels reserved for radiocommunications in connection with hobby activities have been assigned in FICORA notice for customers, RHA68. For communications in connection with hunting may, in general, those channels be used which in notice RHA68 have been reserved for hobby activities (21 channels in total). These channels are:

68.050 MHz, 68.175 MHz,
67.500 MHz, 68.575 MHz,
71.375 MHz, 71.425 MHz,
71.475 MHz, 71.625 MHz,
70.200 MHz, 71.025 MHz,
71.050 MHz, 71.100 MHz,
68.375 MHz, 71.175 MHz,
71.750 MHz, 71.900 MHz,
71.350 MHz, 71.550 MHz,
71.575 MHz, 71.600 MHz and 72.325 MHz.

The above channels may also be used for professional communications.

Licences and equipment will be controlled

Controllers from FICORA supervise the frequency usage and check licences. During the hunting season, they also supervise the frequency usage of hunting radio, and the equipment. Police investigation will be carried out in case of violations.