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On September 16, 2011, the Information and Communications Council Information Technology Subcommittee (Head of Subcommittee: Masao Sakauchi, Head of the National Institute of Informatics) commenced deliberation on “items relating to countermeasures for safety and reliability of telecommunications equipment.”
1. Background
Communications infrastructure is a foundation that supports people's lives and industrial economic activity. It is essential that communications such as emergency calls and safety confirmation, etc. and important police and disaster prevention communications, etc. are maintained so that when disasters occur, citizens' lives and assets can be protected and the country can continue to function.
In April 2011, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) initiated the “Investigative Commission concerning the State of Guaranteed Means of Communication in States of Emergency Including Large-scale Disasters” based on the extensive congestion and interruption problems that occurred during the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Investigative Commission is studying ways of maintaining the safety and reliability of networks, including technical standards, and has compiled an interim report.
More than ever, it is essential that the safety and reliability of telecommunications equipment are maintained, given the recent Typhoon No. 12, in which means of communication to mountainous regions were interrupted due to storm and flood damage, and the major effects such difficulties impose on society now that there has been a rapid diffusion all kinds of telecommunications equipment, including smart phones and so on.
In view of these circumstances, this deliberation will study policy aimed at strengthening countermeasures to ensure the safety and reliability of telecommunications equipment.
2. Content of deliberation
Deliberation will cover “items relating to countermeasures for safety and reliability of telecommunications equipment” as found in the “Technical Requirements for Telecommunications Equipment Supporting Shift to IP Networks” (2005 Information and Communications Council Inquiry No. 2020).
3. Schedule
A partial reply will be received in January 2012, and official regulations will be serviced thereafter.
Related reports and documents
・ “Investigative Commission concerning the State of Guaranteed Means of Communication in States of Emergency Including Large-scale Disasters” to be Initiated (April 7, 2011)
・ Official Announcement of Interim Report on the State of Guaranteed Means of Communication in States of Emergency Including Large-scale Disasters (August 2, 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 |
