October 4, 2004

Ministry of Internal Affairs and
Communications


MIC invites comments concerning putting in place a procedure for the implementation of smooth engineering stream broadcasting



Engineering stream is a broadcasting method for the downloading of the latest and best-adapted software necessary for normal functioning of digital satellite broadcast receivers, and is therefore vital to the stable reception of whole digital satellite broadcasting.

In the future, the area offering terrestrial digital broadcasting will widen, and there is likely to be greater penetration of equipment permitting triple reception of terrestrial digital, BS digital and CS digital at 110 degrees of east longitude, leading to a steady increase in the necessity and importance of engineering stream broadcasting.

The MIC believes that it is vital to implement even faster and smoother engineering stream broadcasting for the sound development of digital satellite broadcasting, and so is taking the necessary steps to bring this about.

The MIC has prepared a draft amendment of the Concerning Announcements separately made by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications on Changes in Broadcast Program-Supplying Issues (MPT Announcement No. 776 of 1999), and is inviting comments (in Japanese) from October 4 until 29.

For details refer to the Japanese web site
http://www.soumu.go.jp/s-news/2004/041004_1.html

For further information about this press release, please contact:

International Policy Division, International Affairs Department
Telecommunications Bureau
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
Tel: (03) 5253-5920 Fax: (03) 5253-5924

Or visit
http://www.soumu.go.jp/joho_tsusin/eng/contact.html to fill in the inquiry form.