📋 Tender Overview
The Government decided to amend the 2G network licences on 7.12.2023. Telecom operators are obliged to maintain 2G technology until the end of 2029. After that, companies could choose to deploy newer technologies in the frequency bands now reserved for 2G technology.
The licence condition obliges telecommunications operators to inform the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom well in advance of their plans to phase out 2G technology in order to ensure that the transition to newer technologies is as controlled as possible.
The controlled shutdown of 2G networks will allow telecom companies to switch to more advanced network technologies a little faster. At the same time, users of the 2G network will have enough time to renew their devices operating in the 2G network.
The Government's decision changes the terms of the licences granted on 13.12.2018. Under the old terms, companies would be obliged to maintain 2G technology until the end of 2033. The terms also obligated the Government to review the operating licences during 2023, and the Ministry of Transport and Communications requested comments on the matter in summer 2023.
The 2G network has meters and control devices
The licences granted to telecommunications operators oblige that voice and data services in the 2G network must cover 99 per cent of the population of mainland Finland. The licences have been granted to DNA Oyj, Elisa Oyj and Telia Finland Oyj in the 900 and 1800 MHz frequency bands.
There is relatively little data in the 2G network. Newer technologies are more efficient, environmentally friendly and secure. However, the 2G network currently contains a very large number of meters and control devices related to electricity and water networks, for example, with a long life cycle.
In addition, the 2G network is used by the in-car emergency call system eCall, which, according to EU regulations, can only make use of 2G and 3G networks. The system has been mandatory for all new cars since 2018.
