The licence issued to the broadcast network operator Digita is for a multiplex that will focus on developing HDTV services. Digita already operates five UHF multiplexes.
The terms of the licence obligates Digita to have the new network in operation with coverage of no less that 60% of the population of mainland Finland by the end of next year.
Viewing broadcasts carried by the new network will require high definition sets or adapters for other HDTV-ready digital TV receivers.
The government also approved a change in the ownership of Digita on Thursday. The company has been taken over from the French TDF Group by Suomi Broadcast Networks. This company, in turn, is owned by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
The price of the deal has not been announced.