October 10, 2006

Public Comments to Be Invited on Draft MIC Ordinances to Amend the "Regulations for Procedure for Obtaining a Radio Station License" and "Draft MIC Notices to Amend Relevant MIC Notices"
-- Introduction of Float-Free S-VDR and Addition of Frequencies to Be Used for Satellite EPIRB, Etc. --

MIC has developed draft MIC Ordinances to amend the "Regulations for Procedure for Obtaining a Radio Station License" and draft MIC Notices to amend relevant MIC Notices, accompanying introduction of float-free voyage data recorder (VDR) and addition of frequencies to be used for satellite emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), etc.
Thus, MIC invites public comments thereon during the period from October 10 through November 9, 2006.

[Background, etc.]
1) Introduction of float-free S-VDR
In accordance with the "International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea" (SOLAS) that oblige ships to install a VDR or simplified voyage data recorder (S-VDR) for contributing to investigation on causes of wrecks at sea, it is required to amend the "Regulations for Procedure for Obtaining a Radio Station License," etc. and relevant MIC Notices pertaining to the introduction of float-free S-VDR and the addition of frequencies to be used for satellite EPIRB, etc.
2) Addition of frequencies to be used for satellite EPIRB, etc.
Radio facilities using the Cospas-Sarsat (COSMOS Satellite for Program of Air and Sea Rescue / Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracker), such as satellite EPIRB, are utilized as facilities to report locations of wrecked vessels or airplanes on a global basis. Taking into account increased demands in recent years, based upon the decision of the Cospas-Sarsat Joint Committee, frequencies of 406.037 MHzmegahertz to be used for satellite EPIRB, etc. are to be added. Accordingly, MIC is requested to prepare regulatory frameworks by amending relevant MIC Ordinances and MIC Notices.
Those wishing to submit comments, please fill out the official form using the Japanese language, and send them to MIC.
Those draft amendments to relevant MIC Ordinances and MIC Notices are available at the following websites:
http://www.soumu.go.jp
http://www.e-gov.go.jp
MIC will, taking into consideration public comments to be sent to MIC, amend relevant MIC Ordinances and MIC Notices without delay.

[Outline of amendments to relevant MIC Ordinances and MIC Notices]
1) Regulations for Procedure for Obtaining a Radio Station License (Radio Regulatory Commission Rules No. 15 of November 30, 1950)
2) Rules for Registered Inspectors, Etc.
3) Rules for Type Approval of Radio Equipment (Ministerial Ordinance of MPT No. 40 of 1961)
4) Amendments to relevant MIC Notices
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For further information about this press release, please fill in the inquiry form and submit it to MIC on the website
http://www.soumu.go.jp/joho_tsusin/eng/contact.html
International Policy Division,
International Affairs Department
Telecommunications Bureau, MIC
TEL: +81-3-5253-5920 / FAX: +81-3-5253-5924