Inquiry of the Information and Communications Council on Regulatory Frameworks Pertaining to Telecommunications Numbers for Introducing Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) Services
Purpose of inquiry
Along with the development in deployment of IP-based networks, expectations on FMC services have been growing on a global basis. Telecommunications carriers, including fixed telephone carriers and mobile communications carriers, have started considering the provision of various FMC services, such as a service enabling the use of the same number for both fixed telephone and mobile telephone.
Thus, it is vital for Japan to deliberate upon regulatory frameworks, including i) requirements for designating new telecommunications numbers for FMC services, and ii) the specific scope of and requirements for services when using current telecommunications numbers.
This is what prompted the decision to make an inquiry to the Information and Communications Council concerning a framework pertaining to telecommunications numbers for the introduction of FMC services.
Investigation structure
Investigation structureA “Committee for Telecommunications Numbers” has been newly set up within the Department on Telecommunications Business, the Information and Communications Council, to conduct this investigation.
Topics on which a report is soughti) requirements for designating new telecommunications numbers for FMC services, ii)the specific scope of and requirements for services when using current telecommunications numbers.
Schedule
The Council will compile its findings as a report in March 2007.
Study Group for the Development of Digitalization and Broadcasting Policy Announces Final Report
Background
MIC set up the Study Group for the Development of Digitalization and Broadcasting Policy in July 2004 to investigate broadcasting policy to address the move to digital broadcasting policy as well as develop broadcasting that appropriately meets the varied needs of viewers.
An invitation to public comment was implemented from July 19 to August 31, 2006, following the compilation of a draft report by the study group, and 41 comments were received.
These comments were taken into consideration in the compilation of the final report which is now being announced.
Outline etc.
Outline of final report from the Study Group for the Development of Digitalization and Broadcasting Policy (October 6, 2006)Basic approach on the principle of excluding multiple ownership of the media (Chapter 2)
A framework for management of private broadcasting run by holding companies (Chapter 3)
A framework for regulations concerning satellite broadcasting (Chapter 4)
Addressing new broadcasting services (Chapter 5)
MIC to host the 8th International Forum on Advanced Satellite Communications in the Asia-Pacific Region
The MIC, in cooperation with the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has been working on research and development of ultra-high speed satellite communications technology to ensure the same level of speed and volume as fiber-optic networks, using satellite communications technology which can be resistant to the effects of natural conditions on earth.
As part of this effort, the MIC is hosting the 8th International Forum on Advanced Satellite Communications in the Asia-Pacific Region with a view to promoting the realization of collaborative international application experiments using WINDS (Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite), which will be launched by an H-IIA launch vehicle in fiscal 2007, and the diffusion of the current status of research and development on ultra-high speed satellite communications technology.
The Asia-Pacific region has on the one hand seen the establishment of world-class information infrastructure in urban areas, while on the other hand, geographical conditions such as vast seas and rugged mountain ranges have impeded the installation of terrestrial communications networks in other areas.
WINDS (http://www.jaxa.jp/jda/brochure/img/04/winds.pdf) can take full advantage of the characteristics of satellite communications technologies, such as wide coverage, multicast ability and disaster-resistant capabilities. The WINDS satellite communications system will enable home users to receive 100 Mbps-class high-speed data by means of a small dish about 45 cm in diameter (in case of reception), and this is expected to be a best tool in eliminating the geographical digital divide in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 8th International Forum on Advanced Satellite Communications in the Asia-Pacific Region will be held, as outlined below to deepen peoplefs understanding of the approaches towards the realization of collaborative international application experiments using WINDS, etc. We do look forward to seeing you on Nov.28 in Tokyo! .
Date and Time:November 28 (Tues), 2006 10:00am to 6:00pm
Venue:
2F Hall-Studio, Chiyoda Media Plaza (1-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo: near Nagata-cho Station)
Outline:
See appendix
Organizers:
Organizer: MIC
Co-organizer: NICT and JAXA
Fee:
Free
