Second Meeting of the Next Generation IP Network Promotion Forum
Discussion of Topics Related to Next-Generation IP Networks from a Variety of Perspectives
Japan has been promoting rapid technological innovation and competitive measures in the field of information and communications in order to put in place the world’s fastest and lowest-cost broadband environment, with the rapid penetration and expansion of new ICT services such as IP phones which use Internet protocols.
In the midst of this explosive development of higher performance information and communications networks, the Next Generation IP Network Promotion Forum has been organized in coordination between industry, academia, and the government in looking ahead to networks shifting to IP. This forum offers a platform for discussing important issues related to the promotion of next-generation IP networks, and is active in areas such as coordinating with relevant working groups from the Information and Communications Council and making proposals to standardization organizations.
At the second such forum which was held on March 24, 2008, a general overview was given of activities to date and future activities were ascertained. Senior Vice-Minister SATO Tsutomu of MIC was a guest. Professor Emeritus SAITO Tadao of the University of Tokyo was the moderator and opinions were exchanged on plans and strategies for the introduction and penetration, topics and outlook for next-generation IP networks from the varying points of view of business operators that will use next-generation IP networks, communications and terminal equipment manufacturers, and the telecommunications carriers that will provide the infrastructure.
Invited guest SATO Tsutomu, Senior Vice-Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, gave the address.
The Purpose of Putting in Place the Next Generation IP Network Promotion Forum
Currently, the government is promoting its u-Japan Policy which aims at Japan becoming the most advanced country in information and communications technology by the year 2010. The building of next-generation communications network is vital to the realization of this plan. But discussions from many sides are needed in order to build new networks. The Next Generation IP Network Promotion Forum sees participation by a wide variety of specialists from industry, academia and government, including telecommunications business operators, vendors, experienced academics and those who create applications. The necessary discussions are held on the building of next-generation networks, and the results are then passed on to the relevant working groups of the Information and Communications Council along with making proposals to standardization organizations.
The Next Generation IP Network Promotion Forum is engaged in the following activities.
The following promotional activities are also being carried out on an organizational basis.
Kyoto Symposium on ICTs and Climate Change
Against the background of a rapid increase in recent years of awareness of the problems of climate change, and drawing on the broad appeal both in Japan and overseas of the importance of the role that ICT can fulfill in problems related to climate change, MIC and the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) hosted the Kyoto Symposium on ICTs and Climate Change over a two-day period on April 15 and 16, at the Kyoto International Conference Center, in order to promote a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases by using ICT. The symposium saw a total of 260 participants from 23 countries, representing industry, research organizations, international organizations and governments, who engaged in lively discussions.
At the symposium, expectations were laid out concerning the potential of ICT in dealing with the issues of climate change, and the importance of promoting international standards related to methods of evaluating the levels of reduction in CO2 emissions through the use of ICT was put forward, with the contents being summed up by the chairman. In addition, it was announced that the ITU will establish an investigative group in July to promote international standards related to methods of evaluating the levels of reduction in CO2 emissions through the use of ICT, and start its investigations.
A follow-up symposium was held in London on June 17 and 18 and plans will be formulated for research activity for the next study period (2009-2012), including climate change measures, at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-08) which will be held in South Africa in October.
Opening greetings by NINOYU Satoshi, Vice-Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications
Exhibition of systems and products looking to save energy and cut CO2 emissions
Many representatives from various countries participated in the symposium