March 13, 2007

Results of Public Comment Procedures on "Draft Evaluation Results of FY2006 Survey on Actual Radio Spectrum Usage"

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 26-2 of the Radio Law (Law No. 131 of May 2, 1950), MIC has been carrying out the "survey on actual radio spectrum usage" for the purpose of comprehensively implementing policies to contribute to effective radio spectrum usage in a well-planned manner.
MIC invited public comments on the "Draft Evaluation Results of FY2006 Survey on Actual Radio Spectrum Usage" during the period from February 1 through 21, 2007. During said period, MIC received 15 opinions.
Those comments and MIC's opinions thereto (Japanese-language version) are available at the following websites:
http://www.soumu.go.jp
http://www.e-gov.go.jp
MIC will, taking into consideration those comments sent to MIC, inquire of the Information and Communications Council to be held on March 14, 2007, about the draft.

[Reference]
Radio Law
(Law No. 131 of May 2, 1950) <Excerpt>
(Survey, etc. of Actual Radio Spectrum Usage)
Article 26-2.
(1) The Minister shall, in accordance with the applicable MIC ordinance, conduct a survey on items specified in the applicable MIC ordinance, necessary in assessing actual radio spectrum usage, such as the number of radio stations, traffic of radio communications operated by radio stations, usage modes of radio facilities of radio stations, (hereinafter referred to as "actual usage survey") at approximately three-year interval, in order to establish or change the Frequency Assignment Plan or promote other measures for that contribute to the effective use of the radio spectrum in a comprehensive and well-planned manner.
(2) The Minister may, if necessary, during the three-year interval under the preceding paragraph, conduct an ad hoc actual usage survey on limited range of spectrum or services, etc.
(3) The Minister shall assess to what degree the radio spectrum is being used effectively based on the results of the actual usage survey, taking trends in technological innovations, demand related to radio spectrum, international trends concerning the radio spectrum allocation and other matters into consideration.
(4) The Minister shall, when the actual usage survey and assessment under the preceding paragraph are conducted, in accordance with the applicable MIC ordinance, publicize an outline of results of the actual usage survey and assessment thereof.
(5) The Minister may, if necessary where establishing or changing the Frequency Assignment Plan, based on results of the assessment under paragraph (3), in accordance with the applicable MIC ordinance, conduct a survey on the technical and economic affects on licensees or registrants of Article 27-23 paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as "licensees, etc.") brought about by the establishment or change of said Frequency Assignment Plan.
(6) The Minister may, to the extent necessary for conducting the actual usage survey and survey under the preceding paragraph, request licensees, etc. to report on necessary items.
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For further information about this press release, please fill in the inquiry form and submit it to MIC through 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