February 4, 2008

Public Comment Invited on Draft MIC Notice to Partially Amend the Frequency Assignment Plan

Expiration of the period of availability of the frequencies for fire-fighting operations
With the aim of solving the issue of limited availability of VHF frequencies for public services, MIC has made efforts to transfer systems used at radio stations for fire-fighting operations from analog modulation types to digital and narrow-band. Having recently determined that the shift from analog to digital is highly viable, MIC developed a draft MIC notice to partially amend the Frequency Assignment Plan (MPT Notice No. 746 of 2000) (hereinafter, "draft notice") to specify the expiration of the period of availability of the current frequencies.

MIC now invites public comment on the draft notice from today to Wednesday, March 5, 2008.

1. Background of the change
VHF frequencies are fitted for land mobile communications and therefore used for public services such as police duties, fire fighting, and disaster prevention. Recognizing the limited availability of the frequencies for such services, MIC has made efforts to digitize the radio systems and narrow the frequency channels used for such services to improve user convenience and facilitate efficient use of frequencies.

In terms of 150 MHzmegahertz band analog radio for fire-fighting operations, MIC has designated frequencies for digital communications to promote the shift. Aiming to accelerate the move, MIC now intends to specify the timeframe for the shift in the Frequency Assignment Plan.

2. Future schedule
Taking into account the comments contributed on the draft notice, MIC will consult the Radio Regulatory Council at its meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2008. When the Council reports MIC that the draft notice is appropriate, MIC will promptly promulgate and enforce the notice.

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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