October 20, 2006

Inquiry of the Information and Communications Council on Preparation of Interconnection Rules Pertaining to Revision of Collocation Rules

On October 20, 2006, MIC inquired of the Information and Communications Council (Chair: Mr. SHOYAMA Etsuhiko, CEO and Chairman, Hitachi, Ltd.) on preparation of interconnection rules pertaining to revision of collocation* rules.
  Note: Rules concerning terms and conditions, and procedures for interconnecting telecommunications carriers to install equipment necessary for interconnection at buildings, etc. of telecommunications carriers installing Category I telecommunications facilities.

[Background]
The current Interconnection Rules (regulatory frameworks for Category I telecommunications facilities) have been revised several times. In recent years, however, along with migration from circuit switched networks to IP-based networks and development of broadband platforms, the structure of networks has been changing. As a result, business models in the broadband market have also been changing.
To this end, from the viewpoints of i1) encouraging further competition, including facilitation for entries of new business models in the broadband market, and ii2) improving convenience for users through diversification of services, it has become vital to prepare the Interconnection Rules meeting changes in the market.

[Topics to be deliberated upon]
  i1) Review of methods for calculating interconnection charges (Review of stack testing on relations between interconnection charges and user fees; and review of ex post facto adjustment system)
  ii2) Preparation of collocation rules (namely, collocation rules as to the handling of relay dark fibers, office spaces, etc. and utility poles)
  iii3) Handling of indoor wiring work
  iv4) Handling of nominal right-holders concerning use of circuits
  v5) Handling of default in payment of interconnection charges
  vi6) Other topics, when deemed to be necessary upon preparation of interconnection rules
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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