Interenational Affairs Department, Telecommunications Bureau MIC Communications News Vol.17 No.12 September 29, 2006 Biweekly Newsletter of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications(MIC), Japan

Please feel free to use articles in this publication, with proper credits.


"Study Group on Network Architecture" to Be Convened

On January 29, 2007, MIC have held the first meeting of the "Study Group on Network Architecture" with the purpose of gathering information on future shapes of networks and issues to be tackled from a variety of viewpoints.

Background and Objectives

Along with advancements in IP-based networks, home networks and ubiquitous networks, structures of information and communications networks have been changing in Japan. Also in the U.S. and European countries, new-generation network technologies for 10 years ahead have been studied. The Study Group was set up, taking these conditions into consideration, and with the aim of investigating development stages of networks and the issues that need to be tackled.

Themes

i) Development stages of networks
ii) Socioeconomic effects to be brought about through realization of new-generation networks
iii) Issues to be tackled (R&D themes, standardization, promotion schemes, etc.)

Schedule

The Study Group will compile its findings as a report by June 2007.

top



Results of Public Comment Procedures on Use of New Frequencies for BS Broadcasting

Based on a report compiled on October 19, 2006, by the "Study Group on Future Images of Satellite Broadcasting" (Chair: Prof. FUNADA Masayuki, College of Law and Politics, Rikkyo University), MIC invited public proposals concerning the use of new frequencies for BS broadcasting during the period from October 19 through December 28, 2006. During said period, MIC received 24 proposals from 22 persons.

Background

On October 19, 2006, MIC disclosed the report compiled by the "Study Group on Future Images of Satellite Broadcasting." The report describes that i) "It is appropriate to adopt plural broadcasting systems, including the H.264/AVC advanced video coding method and the digital video broadcasting (DVB)-S.2 transmission line coding system etc., upon using frequencies for BS digital broadcasting that will become available, from the viewpoint of encouraging broadcasters to decrease costs while increasing functionality through unfettered ingenuity," and ii) "It is appropriate to invite public proposals with respect to systems using frequencies for BS digital broadcasting -- specifically planned, favorable or required." In response to this report, MIC invited public proposals on utilization of new frequencies for BS digital broadcasting during the period from October 19 through December 28, 2006. During said period, MIC received 24 proposals from 22 persons.

Schedule

Taking into consideration those proposals sent to MIC, MIC is to prepare regulatory frameworks necessary for deciding facility-supplying broadcasters pertaining to satellites to be launched.

Outline

1. Proposals regarding the use of new frequencies for BS broadcasting

Sorted by proposal contents, as shown below:



The 16 items proposed regarding “(2) Start of new programs” all expressed a wish, as regards frequencies they wanted used, that the 3 vacant analog channels (channels 5, 7 and 11) be given priority.

2. Proposals concerning broadcasting systems

Out of the 16 proposals regarding “(2) Start of new programs,” one expressed a wish for the H.264 system, and two wanted to consider either the MPEG-2 system or the H.264 system.



3. Total of desired frequencies

When all of the desired frequencies for use are added up, the total comes to more than 13 transponders (approximately twice the number of frequencies for the seven transponders assigned).

*1 In cases where proposals that appeared to have the same comments were not duplicated in the count
*2 Since the method for counting the frequency range for less than one relay differs according to the broadcasting system, the total was calculated by relay unit.

top