Reply from Radio Regulatory Council and Results from Appeal for Opinions concerning Ministerial Ordinance Plan, etc. for Partial Revision of Radio Law Enforcement Regulations, etc.

1. Background to revisions

(1) Maritime use of the 5GHz band wireless access system

　In recent years, the broadband upgrade of wireless communication systems as seen in smart phones and wireless LAN, etc. has made our lives more comfortable.

　However, coastal zones are outside the area of these broadband systems and at present are missing out on these benefits. In view of these circumstances, there has been an “investigative study of technology for shared use of 5GHz band wireless access system frequencies in maritime transmission routes” (radio wave usage fee resources technology examination work) concerning maritime use of the “5GHz band wireless access system”, which was assumed as being for land use, and the effectiveness of this system for maritime use has become clear.

　Based on this investigative study, ministerial ordinances and bulletins related to the Radio Law will be partially revised so as to make possible maritime use of the 5GHz band wireless access system.

(2) Extension of frequency expiry date of 5GHz band wireless access system

　Currently, the frequencies between 5,030MHz and 5,091MHz that have been allocated to the 5GHz band wireless access system are internationally allocated by the Microwave Landing System (hereinafter, “MLS”) for wireless aviation navigation work, but since there is no plan to introduce this domestically, the frequencies had been temporarily allocated to the 5GHz band wireless access system until November 30, 2012.

　However, since there is still no schedule for the introduction of MLS in Japan, it is proposed that the expiry date of these frequencies be extended by five years until November 30, 2017 to enable continued allocation to the 5GHz band wireless access system.

2. Outline of revisions

　The following ministerial ordinances and bulletins are revised to accompany the expanded maritime use of the 5GHz band wireless access system and extension of the frequency expiry date of this system.

　・　Radio Law Enforcement Regulations (1950 Radio Regulatory Council Regulation No. 14)

　・　Radio Equipment Regulations (1950 Radio Regulatory Council Regulation No. 18)

　・　Regulations for Technical Standards Compliance Verification, etc. in Special Wireless Equipment (1981 Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Order No. 37)

　・　Frequency Allocation Plan (2008 MIC Bulletin No. 714)

　・　Item establishing frequencies of radio waves used by 5GHz band wireless access system radio stations (2007 MIC Bulletin No. 362)

　・　Item establishing regions for opening of 5GHz band wireless access system (bulletin abolished and newly established)

3. Results from appeal for opinions

　Opinions on this ministerial ordinance plan, etc. were sought from December 21, 2011 to January 19, 2012, during which time three opinions were submitted.

4. Schedule

　System maintenance will promptly be conducted based on the submitted opinions and the reply from the Radio Regulatory Council.

5. Related reports and announcements

・　Appeal for Opinions on Revised Ministerial Ordinances, etc. concerning Introduction of 80GHz-Band High Speed Wireless Communication System and Expanded Use of 5GHz-Band Wireless Access System (August 9, 2011)

・　Results from Appeal for Opinions and Repeat Appeal for Opinions on Plan for Revision of Laws and Ordinance, etc. concerning Maritime Use of 5GHz Band Wireless Access System, and Appeal for Opinions on Bulletin Plan for Extension of Frequency Expiry Date of this System (December 20, 2011)