Technical Requirements for Mobile Communications Systems Using 700MHz Bands

1. Background

　The number of mobile telephone subscriptions in Japan has reached 124,360,000 (as of the end of November 2011), and 99.4% of these are 3G mobile communications systems (IMT-2000) for mobile telephones, which shows steady progress in the migration from 2G mobile communications systems.

　Additionally, against a background of speed increases and diversification in social and economic activities, there is a trend for expansion in the use of data communications by mobile telephones, such as for Internet connections and the transmission of dynamic images, hence growing expectations for the introduction of high-speed, high capacity and user-friendly mobile communications systems.

　On the other hand, initiatives for businesses to introduce 3.9G mobile communications systems (LTE) are advancing all over the world, and LTE services also commenced in Japan in December 2010.

　In Japan, as of July 2011 it will become possible for mobile communications systems to utilize empty frequencies (700MHz band) resulting from the digitization of terrestrial television broadcasting and empty frequencies (900MHz band) resulting from the reorganization of frequencies used by 2G mobile communications systems (including some IMT-2000).
　In view of these circumstances, since December 2009 the Information and Communications Council has been deliberating over “Policy on Effective Frequency Use for Mobile Telephones, etc.,” including frequency arrangement for effective utilization of 700/900MHz bands and requirements for shared use with other systems, so as to ensure the smooth introduction of mobile communications systems using the 700/900Mhz bands as well as the introduction of radio relay stations contributing to the improvement of environments for mobile telephone utilization.

　Results from deliberation relating to “technical requirements for mobile communications systems using 700MHz bands” have now been compiled, and on February 17, 2012 a partial reply was received from the Information and Communications Council.

2. Schedule

　Based on this partial reply, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will proceed with decisions, etc. on technical standards for mobile communications systems using the 700MHz band.

Related reports and documents

Start of Deliberations concerning Technical Conditions for Mobile Communications Systems Using the 700/900MHz Band (December 18, 2009)

Hearings from Individuals Concerned with "79 GHz High-Resolution Radar Technical Requirements" (February 3, 2010)

Appeal for Opinions on Draft Report from Committee for Faster Mobile Phones, etc. - Concerning technical requirements for mobile communications systems using 700MHz bands (December 27, 2011)