FICORA s strategy 2020

FICORA s strategy 2020

2 FICORA s strategy 2020

Content Introduction...4 Vision...5 Mission statement...5 Strategic goals, priorities and measures...6 Strategic goal 1: Provision of communications services will become more versatile...7 Priority 1.1: FICORA boldly intervenes if defects appear in the communications markets...8 Priority 1.2: FICORA provides frequencies for new purposes of use...8 Priority 1.3: FICORA increases transparency in the markets...9 Priority 1.4: FICORA enables services in electronic communications...9 Strategic goal 2: Availability of basic communications services will improve... 10 Priority 2.1: FICORA promotes the construction of high-speed broadband infrastructure... 11 Priority 2.2: FICORA ensures that the minimum requirement set for postal, telephone, TV, radio and broadband services is met... 11 Priority 2.3: FICORA ensures the coverage and functionality of the mobile network... 11 Strategic goal 3: Functionality and security of communications networks and services will develop... 12 Priority 3.1: FICORA strengthens national information security... 13 Priority 3.2: FICORA sharpens technical steering and supervision... 14 Critical success factors... 16 Guiding principles... 18 FICORA s strategy 2020 3

Introduction The policy strategy of the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) consists of FICORA s vision, mission statement, strategic goals and related priorities and measures, critical success factors, and guiding principles. The aim of the strategy is to support FICORA s persistent and systematic activities. The strategy, which is part of FICORA s operational planning chain, provides a reference point for the medium-term operational and financial plans and for performance target agreements between FICORA and the Ministry. The strategy extends to the year 2020. The goals, priorities and measures included in the strategy document consist of the key topics and responsibilities which FICORA must address in particular. Thus, the document contains choices. In addition to these, FICORA is responsible for several other tasks under its legislative obligations or otherwise deemed important. The preparation and update of the strategy are part of the regular operational planning process at FICORA. Each autumn, the strategy is assessed during the preparation of the authority s operational and financial plan. The strategy was last updated in October 2014. For the updated strategy, the development of FICORA s operational environment was examined by using views of both FICORA and its stakeholders. The update of the strategy was prepared in cooperation with FICORA s personnel. The update was discussed by FICORA s executive group on 22 October 2014. Helsinki, 23 October 2014 Asta Sihvonen-Punkka, Director-General Jarno Ilme, Spectrum Management Johanna Juusela, Markets Kirsi Karlamaa, National Cyber Security Centre Finland Liisa Räsänen, Stakeholders Riitta-Liisa Vuorela, Administration Ari-Pekka Neuvonen, Information Management Hanna Tamminen, Communications 4 FICORA s strategy 2020

Vision Reliable and easy communications for everyone in Finland Mission statement FICORA boldly monitors and promotes communications markets and services, in the interests of the general public, business and industry. FICORA s strategy 2020 5

Strategic goals, priorities and measures FICORA has three strategic goals: 1. Provision of communications services will be more versatile 2. Availability of basic communications services will improve 3. Functionality and security of communications networks and services will develop Under each strategic goal, the priority areas of the activity serving the strategic goal have been discussed. Key measures have been assigned to each priority area, in order to define how the strategic goal in question will be reached. 6 FICORA s strategy 2020

Strategic goal 1: Provision of communications services will become more versatile New forms of communication, usage methods and devices attached to the network are constantly arising in electronic communications. As the usage of services becomes more versatile, the need for frequencies grows, increasing competition between services. Intensifying competition in the provision of services affects traditional service providers in such a way that they start defending their market statuses by implementing measures that restrict competition and narrow consumer choices. FICORA ensures that the provision of communications services is versatile and responds to the increasing need for frequencies. The authority is also responsible for administering identifiers and usage rights that play a central role in the promotion of electronic communications services. Along with the new Information Society Code, the authority also grants programme licences for television and radio operations when there is no shortage of frequencies or transmission capacity. FICORA ensures that new and innovative service providers are able to enter into the markets. Users of communications services also play an important role in ensuring effective markets. That is why users need information on the alternatives available in the markets. The authority offers impartial information and monitors that consumer rights are not trampled upon. FICORA s strategy 2020 7

Priority 1.1: FICORA boldly intervenes if defects appear in the communications markets FICORA identifies fundamental defects in the communications markets and takes an active approach to highlighting them. FICORA influences legislative drafting at national and EU level by using its legal powers to intervene effectively in significant defects identified in the markets. The authority regulates and steers the communications markets wisely, proactively and systematically. The information resources developed in the Situation Awareness project are used for FICORA s steering and supervision tasks.» Development of regulation FICORA s road map concerning the regulation of significant market power is a plan of priorities for market regulation during the coming years. The road map was updated in the autumn of 2014. Regulation that is no longer needed is abolished. The priority for the regulation of significant market power is shifted from posteriori regulation to actual ex ante regulation, taking into account the development of the communications legislation, in particular the new tools enabled by the Information Society Code (2015 2020). An impact assessment of regulation proposals required by the Information Society Code is brought into use. In addition, new market analyses are initiated and regulatory methods are developed in accordance with the road map. One new project, in particular, is the development of the non-discrimination obligation (2015 2017). The authority monitors legislative drafting at EU level and influences key regulative projects (2015 2020).» Development of consumer protection The authority supervises efficiently that consumer rights related to network neutrality are implemented. The authority supervises that the terms of agreement for communications services are reasonable and clear for consumers, and ensures that consumers are provided with sufficient information on their rights as users of communications services. Networking and close cooperation with Finnish and Nordic authorities, among others, increase effectiveness in highlighting and resolving the key problems concerning consumer protection in communications services (2015 2016). For its steering and supervision tasks, the authority has sufficient information on consumers behaviour and needs in the communications markets. FICORA develops electronic services for users of communications services and produces high-quality customer guidance complementing these services. Situation-specific guidance services are provided to users of communications services in cooperation with other authorities. Priority 1.2: FICORA provides frequencies for new purposes of use The aim of frequency planning is to support the development of the wireless information society by enabling new forms of use of radio frequencies. Both nationally and internationally, frequency planning is focusing more and more on ensuring that new and existing radio systems are consistent with each other. Another way of clearing the way for new purposes of use is to intensify the use of frequencies. 8 FICORA s strategy 2020

» Frequency planning and international cooperation FICORA is an active participant in the international preparation and development work of frequency usage, with an aim to meet Finland s needs and goals. The authority s activities promote the introduction of new wireless applications and technologies for consumers, business and industry, and authorities. With a view to ensure Finland s goals, the authority influences the decisions of future World Radiocommunication Conferences. FICORA actively follows the development of smart radio systems and technologies. On the basis of received results, the authority aims at improving the efficient use of frequencies and creating requirements for new applications. Priority 1.3: FICORA increases transparency in the markets FICORA develops and produces methods and services for increasing general awareness of the availability, quality and prices of web services and communications services. The authority continuously charts information needs and ensures that the necessary information is efficiently collected, saved, handled and distributed in the manner best suited for the particular purpose. FICORA develops information resources related to the communications markets and the authority s customer contacts. These resources are used in FICORA s publications, as well as in steering and supervision tasks. If possible, part of the information resources can also be provided as open interfaces for public use. Measures increasing the transparency of the markets are developed in FICORA s Situation Awareness project. Priority 1.4: FICORA enables services in electronic communications By granting fi-domain names, maintaining the domain name registry and administering the fi-country code and its root name servers, FICORA ensures services that are critical for the Finnish society and whose usability is essential. FICORA will introduce the internationally used registry-registrar model in the autumn of 2016. This operational model clarifies the roles of FICORA and domain name resellers even more. Persistent and systematic frequency planning and monitoring enables that electronic communications services can use sufficient and interference-free frequencies. FICORA issues regulations on the use of radio frequencies and grants radio licences for different purposes of use, including electronic communications services, by taking into account international regulations and recommendations concerning the use of radio frequencies. When issuing regulations on the right to use radio frequencies appropriate for providing electronic communications services, FICORA follows the principle of technology and service neutrality. FICORA s strategy 2020 9

Strategic goal 2: Availability of basic communications services will improve Services, including public ones, have shifted or are shifting to the internet. However, not even basic communications services are available on an equal basis in Finland. Neither are all citizens aware of their right to demand basic services. Particularly in remote areas, the technical level of connections is also poor. Owing to the shortage of potential customers, operators are not interested in developing connections in these areas to meet future needs. Thus, people in remote areas have poorer access to electronic services. Also, there is great variation among user groups, such as older people and people with disabilities, when it comes to their readiness and capacity to use electronic services. FICORA ensures that everyone in Finland has access to the basic communications services required by the law, and that users are aware of their right to receive services. FICORA ensures that communications networks are developed in remote areas, too. 10 FICORA s strategy 2020

Priority 2.1: FICORA promotes the construction of high-speed broadband infrastructure FICORA, as a state authority, grants public aid to high-speed broadband networks to be built in remote areas. To this end, the authority regularly collects data on the construction and use of high-speed broadband networks and makes an active contribution to the provision of information on the development of services based on highspeed broadband connections.» Broadband for Everyone project FICORA effectively carries out tasks related to the Broadband for Everyone project (2015 2020). The authority monitors the development of broadband markets, especially the availability and use of high-speed broadband connections (2015). Priority 2.2: FICORA ensures that the minimum requirement set for postal, telephone, TV, radio and broadband services is met FICORA ensures that the minimum requirement set by legislation and licences for telephone, TV, radio, broadband and postal services is met. FICORA monitors that the basic communications services considered fundamental to citizens are equally available at affordable prices and on reasonable terms. In cooperation with other organisations in the sector, FICORA works to ensure that citizens know their rights to basic communications services. FICORA also ensures that disabled users are aware of their rights related to communications services and that they access to the basic communications services all over Finland.» Reinforcement of universal service The authority develops the universal service supervision of telephone and broadband services (2015) and ensures that disabled users rights related to these services are implemented. The authority effectively carries out supervision tasks related to postal services. Priority 2.3: FICORA ensures the coverage and functionality of the mobile network FICORA ensures that the coverage requirements defined in licences are implemented and that services function. In cooperation with mobile operators and other sectoral players, FICORA develops measures for improving the indoor coverage of mobile networks. Together with telecommunications operators, FICORA informs of solutions improving the coverage, provides guidelines to constructors and designers so that they can prepare for internal network cabling in apartment buildings, promotes the availability and use of legal home base stations and active repeaters, and aims at influencing in international forums in order to present the matter. FICORA s strategy 2020 11

Strategic goal 3: Functionality and security of communications networks and services will develop Society becomes more dependent on communications networks and services. Business activities of companies and everyday tasks of consumers are already now more and more based on communications networks and online services. Technical steering and supervision, as well as information security work, play a central role in the development of the information society. In interaction with telecommunications operators and key external cooperation partners, the steering and supervision of communications networks and services will be more stringent. FICORA produces versatile government services related to information security for citizens, business and industry, and the public administration. 12 FICORA s strategy 2020

Priority 3.1: FICORA strengthens national information security FICORA develops into a sufficiently resourced national cyber security authority which produces a variety of information security services. FICORA s tasks include the detection and resolution of information security threats and incidents, as well as maintaining a situation picture of cyber security. FICORA ensures that sectoral players take account of national and international information security obligations in their information and communications systems.» Provision of a high-quality situation picture of cyber security The National Cyber Security Centre Finland (NCSC-FI) produces services that are sufficient for the whole of society and that relate to the realisation of information security, the handling of information security threats and incidents, as well as to a situation picture of cyber security. The information gained from nationally and internationally detected information security deviations and threats is combined with the information gained from inspections of information systems and telecommunications arrangements, as well as with the information received in the role of a supervisory and steering authority. The NCSC-FI gathers, analyses and distributes this information, and reacts at the right time and the right level. The society s situation awareness of cyber security is increased and FICORA s situation picture services are developed and become more versatile (2015 2017).» Development of cooperation networks The NCSC-FI maintains and enhances the operations of existing cooperation networks and develops their expertise. It uses the expertise and resources of the rest of society through an active, and interactive, network. FICORA identifies its key cooperation partners and coordinate the national and international cooperation in the sector (2015 2017).» Development of detection capabilities The number of customers subscribing to the NCSC-FI s serious information security violation detection and alert system HAVARO are increased, with an inclusion of key critical infrastructure players. The GovHAVARO service directed at the government is expanded among governmental players and common action models are developed. The automation of HAVARO and other information systems are developed in order to manage a large amount of information, and new information sources are introduced in order to generate a more comprehensive situation picture. FICORA strengthens the national ability to detect information security incidents, reacts to deviations and controls the situation picture of information security (2015 2017). FICORA s strategy 2020 13

Priority 3.2: FICORA sharpens technical steering and supervision FICORA specifies and outlines technical steering and supervision in order to ensure the key functions of communications networks and services. As a key measure, FICORA actively participates in implementing the Information Society Code and regulations issued under it. The need to set new obligations, based on the Information Society Code, for players is assessed, in particular, but also the need to annul valid steering that is no longer deemed as necessary. Proportional and appropriate regulation necessitates generating a comprehensive situation picture of the status of communications systems. 14 FICORA s strategy 2020

» Development of preparedness The operations of FICORA s coordination group for disturbance situations will be established between 2015 and 2017. The group improves the operative cooperation between authorities and key players in the telecommunications and electricity sectors in the event of communications network disruptions. In addition, FICORA generates an overall picture of the technical implementation of critical communications systems. The information is used for identifying the most vulnerable parts of communications networks and improving their security by means of FICORA s steering operations.» Development of frequency usage monitoring Society becomes more dependent on wireless communications. The monitoring of frequency usage, including the market surveillance of wireless devices and the monitoring of the compliance with network licence terms, becomes more challenging. The monitoring requires that the cooperation between FICORA and players has to be developed. FICORA sharpens its capability to monitor the use of frequencies and increases cooperation with its stakeholders.» Development of terrestrial television operations As of 2017, television services currently broadcast with DVB-T technology will gradually be transferred to DVB-T2 broadcasting technology. Also, part of the frequencies currently used for television broadcasting will be allocated to wireless broadband. In order to secure the amount and continuity of television services, FICORA must replan and rearrange the broadcasting frequencies of television networks. An accurate planning steers the implementation of the frequency changes in the field and timely communication on the changes so that the impacts on consumers are minimised and that it is possible to release the frequencies for broadband use in a successful manner. With regard to consumers, a smooth transition to the new broadcasting technology, which enables HD quality television transmissions, requires that consumers are more aware of the devices they have to obtain. With regard to television operators, it is also utterly important that households obtain a sufficient number of devices. FICORA coordinates the communication on the technology transition (2014 2017). The communication secures that consumers and operators are informed of future frequency changes and necessary devices in a fair and timely manner. FICORA participates also itself actively in the communication. FICORA s strategy 2020 15

Critical success factors For the purposes of this strategy, the critical success factors refer to the factors (e.g. abilities, skills, knowledge, resources), whose availability and use are necessary for the achievement of the strategic goals. FICORA has identified the following six critical success factors. It must succeed in each of them in order to achieve the strategic goals it has selected. 16 FICORA s strategy 2020

1. Competent and active personnel FICORA s personnel are its most important resource. The personnel maintain, enhance and share their expertise systematically, and the authority supports this. FICORA provides a sufficient amount of time and resources for personnel development. 2. Courageous and inspiring leadership Managers take an enthusiastic and active approach to leading people and matters. Multi-skilled employees support the management in being courageous and inspiring. 3. Active participation and influence FICORA takes an active approach to influencing the communications sector in Finland and abroad. FICORA participates in public discussion, and openly and actively explains its decisions and intents. 4. Efficient management and sharing of information FICORA has a common information architecture. The information resources are managed and developed in coordination. 5. Functional and secure information systems and premises FICORA plays a leading role in the future of communications. This role extends to how the authority exploits information systems within its own activities. Employees at FICORA have access to functional and secure information systems which ensure that working is effective and communications are uninterrupted. Information systems support the electronic services and increase productivity at FICORA. Information systems and premises enable the handling of classified information and flexible forms of working. 6. Sustainable and sufficient financing FICORA s financing is proportionate to the responsibilities given to the authority. Financing stands on solid ground and is predictable. A euro invested in FICORA pays for itself many times over for the communications sector and Finnish society. FICORA s strategy 2020 17

Guiding principles FICORA s guiding principles define how all the employees at FICORA do their daily work. The guiding principles can be identified in the work of the personnel at FICORA and when they interact with external shareholders. 18 FICORA s strategy 2020

FICORA has three guiding principles: 1. We are proactive»» We actively follow the development in our operational environment and aim to influence it.»» We develop our activities according to the changing demands of the operational environment. 2. We are independent»» We are fair and impartial in our work.»» Our decisions are based on expertise and the best information available. 3. We cooperate»» The atmosphere at FICORA is open and encourages discussion.»» We discuss openly with all stakeholders and communicate actively about the decisions we make and intents we have. FICORA s strategy 2020 19

20 FICORA s strategy 2020 Itämerenkatu 3 A FI-00181 Helsinki, Finland www.ficora.fi