20.05.2010

Licensed and licence-exempt radio microphones in the 800 MHz frequency band

In the 800 MHz frequency range both radio microphones subject to licence and those exempted from licensing are used. The frequency bands to be used can be found in FICORA Regulation 4, i.e. the Radio Frequency Regulation (Frequency Allocation Table).

Radio microphones subject to licence

• 790.100 – 821.900 MHz
• 854.000 – 862.000 MHz

The use of radio microphones in these frequency bands requires a radio licence granted by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA). The number of users and the need for frequencies may be estimated based on the amount of radio licences. The licence information enables FICORA to contact the users of radio equipment directly, concerning e.g. restrictions on use of frequencies or other changes.

The use of radio microphones and other wireless audio applications subject to licence, in the frequency bands 790 - 822 MHz and 854 - 862 MHz, may be continued for now. Pursuant to Government Decree 680/2007 the frequency band 790 - 862 MHz will be transferred to mobile network use. Before that a sufficient amount of replacement frequencies will, however, be assigned for radio microphones. Some analysing work for determining replacement frequency bands is being carried out throughout Europe. FICORA will contact each licence holder when the change of frequencies takes place.

The maximum radiated power allowed for radio microphone transmitters is 50 mW ERP and the total bandwidth of emission is max. 200 kHz.

According to Regulation 4, a radio microphone user must have no other selectable frequencies than those mentioned in the licence.

Licence application for radio microphones in the 800 MHz frequency band [DOT, 88 KB]

Radio microphones exempted from licensing

• 863.000 - 865.000 MHz

Radio microphones used in this frequency band do not need a licence, as the use of the frequencies is harmonized within Europe. The microphones must function according to the conditions in FICORA Regulation 15 (radiated power max. 10 mW ERP).

Compliance with the requirements of the radio microphones

It is the responsibility of manufacturers of radio microphones, importers and sellers that only interference free equipment is available. In Finland only radio equipment that complies with the requirements may be marketed. 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.

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.