Appeal for Opinions on Ministerial Ordinance Plans, etc. for Partial Revision of Radio Law Enforcement Regulations, etc.

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has drawn up ministerial ordinance plans, etc. for partial revision of Radio Law Enforcement Regulations (1950 Radio Regulatory Council Regulation No. 14), Procedural Rules for Radio Station Licenses (1950 Radio Regulatory Council Regulation No. 15), Radio Equipment Regulations (1950 Radio Regulatory Council Regulation No. 18) and Regulations for Technical Standards Compliance Verification, etc. in Special Wireless Equipment (1981 Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Order No. 37) in order to carry out system maintenance for the introduction of radio stations relaying mobile radio communications. The revision plans will be subject to an appeal for opinions, which is to be held from August 9 (Tue) to September 7 (Wed), 2011.

1. Background

　The number of mobile phone subscriptions in Japan has reached 121.25 million (as of the end of June 2011), 99.1% of which are for mobile phones that use 3G mobile communications systems (IMT-2000), indicating that the migration from 2G mobile communications systems is steadily progressing.
　Additionally, there are expectations for the introduction of high-speed, high capacity and user-friendly mobile communications systems to cope with speed increases and diversification in social and economic activities, as well as the trend for expansion of Internet connections, transmission of dynamic images and the use of data communications by mobile telephones.
　Due to the spread of mobile phones, mobile phone businesses are extending new base stations and installing "radio stations to relay mobile radio communications" ("land-based mobile relay stations" and "land-based mobile terminals (so-called 'low-power repeaters' to carry out relays)"), which serve as equipment for the relay and amplification of radio waves from base stations and land-based mobile stations (terminals), in response to the increasing needs of those who want to use mobile phones not only outdoors but also inside homes and stores, etc. with favorable radio wave circumstances.
　On the other hand, current technical standards for radio stations relaying mobile radio communications are regulated for each communication system, and it is necessary to newly establish technical standards for systems when introducing new-generation mobile communication systems, which means there is a possibility that smooth introduction of new technology will be obstructed.
　In view of these circumstances, in December 2009 the Information and Communications Council commenced deliberation over "technical requirements for radio stations relaying mobile radio communications" to decide on technical standards for "radio stations relaying mobile radio communications" independently of communication systems, and a partial report was compiled in May 2011.
　Based on this partial report, there will be partial revision of bulletins relating to Radio Law Enforcement Regulations, Procedural Rules for Radio Station Licenses, Radio Equipment Regulations and Regulations for Technical Standards Compliance Verification, etc. in Special Wireless Equipment, as well as new establishment of bulletins in relation to "radio stations relaying mobile radio communications" in order to establish technical standards for radio stations relaying mobile radio communications.

2. Outline of revisions

　As well as carrying out system maintenance for "radio stations relaying mobile radio communications" independently of communication systems, Radio Law Enforcement Regulations, etc. will be revised and relevant bulletins will be revised and established.

3. Outline of public appeal for opinions

(1) Subjects of appeal for opinions
Radio Law-related ministerial ordinances, etc.

Telecommunications Business Law-related bulletin

　The ministerial ordinance plan for revisions, etc. (new-old comparison tables) can be inspected via the contact address listed at the end of this document and will also be published in the "Reports and documents" section of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) website (http://www.soumu.go.jp), as well as in the "Public comment" area of the e-Gov coordinated electronic government contact website (http://www.e-gov.go.jp).

(2) Deadline of submission of opinions
·Must arrive no later than 17:00 on September 7 (Wed), 2011 (mailed submissions must also arrive by this date)
For further details, please see the enclose outline of the public appeal for opinions.

4. Schedule

　With regards to these ministerial ordinance plans, etc., the relevant ministerial ordinances, etc. will be revised based on the opinions received and the Radio Regulatory Council reply to the MIC's inquiries.

Related reports and documents

　·Technical Requirements for Mobile Communications Systems Using 900MHz Bands and Radio Stations Performing Mobile Radio Communication Relays (May 17, 2011)

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For further information about this press release, please fill in the inquiry form and submit it to MIC on the website
https://www.soumu.go.jp/common/english_opinions.html

International Policy Division,
Global ICT Strategy Bureau, MIC
TEL: +81 3 5253 5374 / FAX: +81 3 5253 5924