July 11, 2007

Business of Leasing Part of Multiplexer, Etc., for Satellite Broadcasting Program Transmission Approved

MIC today consulted the Radio Regulatory Council (Chair: Prof. HATORI Mitsutoshi, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University) in regard to approval for the business of leasing part of multiplexer, etc., for satellite broadcasting program transmission to WX24 and the Digital Broadcasting Promotion Association (Dpa). Japan Broadcasting Corporation (President: HASHIMOTO Genichi; hereinafter called "NHK") has applied for approval for such business pursuant to Article 9, paragraph 8 of the Broadcast Law (Law No. 132 of 1950; hereinafter called "Law"). MIC also consulted the council in regard to approval for the lease of broadcasting facilities (part of multiplexer, etc., for satellite broadcasting program transmission), which NHK has applied for pursuant to Article 47, paragraph 1 of the Law. In response, the council submitted its report stating that it is appropriate to grant approval as per the consultation.

The approval for this matter should be granted today.

The above application has been made to lease part of NHK's multiplexer, etc., for satellite broadcasting program transmission to WX24 and Dpa, to allow programs of the existing data broadcasters of BS digital broadcasting that will change over to BS15 channel broadcasting in December 2007 to be stored in NHK's multiplexer, etc., for satellite broadcasting program transmission and then broadcasted. The table below outlines the details.

Application Item Governing Law Business Details Period of the Business, Etc.
Business of leasing part of multiplexer, etc., for satellite broadcasting program transmission Article 9, paragraph 8 of the Law,
Article 9, paragraph 3, item 1 of the Law
Business of leasing part of multiplexer, etc., for satellite broadcasting program transmission to WX24 and Dpa Period during which the total of the frequency assigned to NHK and the frequency assigned to the data broadcasters does not exceed the transmission capacity of the multiplexer, provided that the same frequency is assigned to both parties
Lease of broadcasting facilities (part of multiplexer, etc. for satellite broadcasting program transmission) Article 47, paragraph 1 of the Law Lease of broadcasting facilities (part of multiplexer, etc. for satellite broadcasting program transmission) to WX24 and Dpa Same as above

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International Policy Division,
International Affairs Department
Telecommunications Bureau, MIC
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