December 1, 2005
MIC
National Council for Promotion of Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting

Roadmap to Construct Relay Stations for Terrestrial Digital TV Broadcasting

In December 2003, terrestrial digital TV broadcasting services were launched in the three metropolitan areas (Kanto, Chukyo and Kinki areas). As of December 1, 2005, terrestrial digital TV broadcasting services have expanded steadily, now covering prefectural seats of six prefectures in the Tohoku region as well as Tochigi and Gunma Prefectures. MIC has been receiving requests from citizens and TV viewers concerning detailed schedules for the launch of services by each broadcaster. In response to such requests, from the viewpoint of facilitating the transition from analog broadcasting to digital, a time schedule for launching terrestrial digital TV broadcasting services on a nationwide basis needed clarification.

To this end, in cooperation with National Council for Promotion of Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting and each Regional Council for Promotion of Terrestrial Digital Broadcasting, MIC decided to release a ''roadmap on areas to be covered by terrestrial digital TV broadcasting services,'' outlining i)1 a list of relay stations for each service area and broadcaster (names of relay stations and time schedule for opening the relay stations), and ii)2 service areas of certain broadcasters that have launched digital broadcasting ahead of the rest of the broadcasters.
However, since these areas will be changed due to complicated factors, MIC will issue revised editions according to such changes.
MIC will, toward smooth and full-scale completion of the digital transition in 2011, make efforts to provide TV viewers with the necessary information.
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International Policy Division,
International Affairs Department
Telecommunications Bureau, MIC
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