Appeal for Opinions on Draft Revision of Related Rules Corresponding to Review of Classifications of Purposes and Communication Matters Related to Radio Station License Application, etc.

1.Background of revision

  As radio stations are used for various purposes, the MIC has been carrying out efficient management and supervision of radio stations by requiring them to describe their purposes and communication matters in radio station license applications with a view to ensuring fair and efficient use of radio waves.
  However, the classifications of purposes and communication matters range widely and are complicated. Therefore, the “Guidelines for Regulatory and Systemic Reforms” (decided by the Cabinet on April 8, 2011) recommended that the integration of the classifications of purposes of radio stations should be considered during FY2011 to draw a conclusion.
  Based on the above-mentioned point, it was decided to review the classifications of those purposes and communication matters within the range that the supervision and management of radio stations are not affected. An appeal for opinions on said draft review of classifications was held from March 31 to May 1, 2012.
  This case is to hold an appeal for opinions on a draft revision in order to improve related rules corresponding to the classifications of purposes and communication matters based on the results of said appeal for opinions.
   

2.Outline of revision

  (1) Review of purposes
  Current 138 classifications are reviewed and integrated into 9 classifications in accordance with the classifications of purposes of the “Essential Standards for Establishing Radio Stations Other Than Broadcast Stations” (Radio Regulatory Commission Rules No. 12 of 1950) that set the standard for examination of radio station applications and the “Frequency Assignment Plan” (Notice of MIC No.471 of 2012) that indicates assignable frequencies in a way that the efficient use of radio waves can be ensured without difficulty even if the current classifications are changed.
  (2) Review of communications matters
  It was decided that classifications whose consistency with purposes needs to be confirmed and classifications that are required for determining the reduction or exemption of spectrum user fees or determining the possibility of officially announcing information on radio stations should be maintained, and that communication matters that allow appropriate supervision of radio stations without depending on the current communications matters are sorted out and integrated. Therefore, current 221 classifications are reviewed and integrated into 124 classifications.
   

3.Guidelines for appeal for opinions

  (1) Subjects of appeal for opinions
  (Draft revisions of related laws and regulations related to the revision of purpose codes and communication matter codes of radio stations that need to be described in radio station matter) - Draft ministerial ordinance for partial revision of the Regulations for Procedure for Obtaining a Radio Station License (Radio Regulatory Commission Rules No. 15 of 1950)
  - Draft notice for partial revision of the subject prescribing the code table to describe columns of purpose codes and communication matter codes of radio stations in radio station matter attached to radio station license application, etc. (Notice of MIC No.860 of 2004) (Draft revisions of related laws and regulations, etc. accompanied by said revisions of laws and regulations)
  - Draft ministerial ordinance for partial revision of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act (Radio Regulatory Commission Rules No. 14 of 1950)
  - Draft notice for partial revision of the subject prescribing equipment replaceable with radio equipment with which compulsory ship stations such as small ships must be equipped (Notice of MIC No.600 of 2006)
  - Draft notice for partial revision of the subject prescribing radio stations separately notified by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications for which proper operation needs to be ensured in order to ensure human life and physical safety based on the provision of Article 15, Item (xi) of the Ordinance Concerning Attested Private Inspector Etc. (Notice of MIC No.277 of 2011)
  - Draft official directive for partial revision of the Examination Standard related to the Radio Act (Official directive of MIC No.67 of 2001)
  (2) Deadline
  March 4 (Mon), 2013, 5:00PM (submission by mail must also arrive by this date)
   

4.Future plans

  The MIC will swiftly revise the Regulations for Procedure for Obtaining a Radio Station License, etc. based on opinions submitted.