November 28, 2007

Approval of Amount and Granting Method of Subsidy and Approval of Amount and Collecting Method of Contribution for Universal Service Fund System

A report from the Telecommunications Council
MIC today received a report from the Telecommunications Council (Chair: Mr. SHOYAMA Etsuhiko, Chairman of the Board, Hitachi, Ltd.) stating that it is appropriate to approve the amount and granting method of subsidy pursuant to Article 109, paragraph 1 of the Telecommunications Business Law (Law No. 86 of 1984; hereinafter called "Law"), as well as to approve the amount and collecting method of contribution pursuant to Article 110, paragraph 2 of the Law (Telecommunications Council Inquiry No. 1194 of October 16, 2007) as consulted thereon.
In response to the report, MIC will give the said approval promptly.

1. Background
  On October 9, 2007, the Telecommunications Carriers Association, which is the universal service support institution, submitted its application for the MIC Minister's approval of the amount and granting method of subsidy in accordance with Article 109, paragraph 1 of the Law, as well as the amount and collecting method of contribution in accordance with Article 110, paragraph 2 of the Law. Therefore, on October 16, 2007, the Minister consulted the Telecommunications Council thereon.
In response to the consultation, the Council invited public comment from October 17 to November 15, 2007. Based on the results of the public comment procedure, the Council today reported to MIC that it is appropriate to give the approval as consulted.

2. Future schedule
  In response to the report, MIC will give the said approval promptly.

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International Policy Division,
International Affairs Department
Telecommunications Bureau, MIC
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