Finland

[FI] New Name and Duties for Communications Regulatory Authority

IRIS 2001-8:1/32

Marina Österlund-Karinkanta

Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE, EU and Media Unit

On 29 June 2001 the Laki viestintähallinnosta (625/2001) (Act on Communications Administration) was ratified. The Act entered into force on 1 September 2001 and replaced the Laki telehallinnosta, (518/1988) (Act on Telecommunications Administration).

As of 1 September 2001, the Telecommunications Administration Centre (TAC) has a new name and expanded duties. Now called the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA), it is the general administrative authority for communications and Information Society Services. Its mission is to promote the development of the Information Society in Finland. The specific duty of the Authority is to safeguard the functionality and efficiency of the communications markets in order to ensure that consumers have access to competitive and technically-advanced communications services that are of good quality and affordable. FICORA is subordinate to the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications. Its duties include tasks defined in the Telecommunications Market Act (396/1997), the Radio Act (517/1988), the Act on Postal Services (907/1993), the Act on Television and Radio Operations (744/1998), the Act on the State Television and Radio Fund (745/1998) and the Act on the Protection of Privacy and Data Security in Telecommunications (565/1999).

While the general guidance, development and supervision of television and radio is the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the duties of FICORA include supervision of compliance with the Act on Television and Radio Operations as well as of the provisions and regulations issued thereunder, with the exception of the ethical principles of advertising, teleshopping spots and the protection of children. Under the Act on the State Television and Radio Fund, the duties of FICORA include the management of the Fund, including the collection and overseeing of television fees from households and the collection of operating licence fees from broadcasters. It is also responsible for technical licences, radio frequencies and the inspection of telecommunications equipment. These duties did not change.