With a view to utilization of ultra-small base station facilities of femtocell systems (hereinafter, "femtocell base stations"), MIC has developed a draft Handling Policy for the Utilization of Femtocell Base Stations in relation to the Radio Law, the Telecommunications Business Law and Relevant Ordinances. The policy has been developed with the aim of clarifying the legal handling of such base stations in light of these laws and ordinances.
From today until Monday, March 10, 2008, MIC invites public comment on the part from "II 2" on Page 2 and onward (excluding "II 2 (1) 2) b 2") of the handling policy.
1. Outline
(1) In recent years, simple femotcell base stations, which enable users to have Ethernet access and broadband access easily, have been developed to solve the issue of mobile phone dead zones, particularly indoors, in such as high-rise buildings, homes and underground malls.
(2) Although operations of femtocell base stations are easy and do not necessarily require specialized knowledge, the current Radio Law allows only licensees to operate such stations. Unlicensed persons cannot operate femtocell base stations installed in high-rise buildings, homes, underground malls and other locations that are not easily accessible for licensees.
With an aim to overcome this issue and to eliminate mobile phone dead zones in such locations, a draft law to partially amend the Radio Law, which allows building managers and users to operate femtocell base stations, was submitted to the 169th Diet session.
(3) While being effective in eliminating the dead zones, femtocell base stations are also expected to contribute to advancement and diversification of mobile communication services, including high-speed radio data transmission and FMC (Fixed-Mobile Convergence) services.
In order to provide such services with femtocell base stations, flexible installation and operation of the base stations must be allowed by clarifying the application of the Telecommunications Business Law and relevant laws and regulations.
(4) Having stated in the Mobile Business Revitalization Plan it released last September that a certain conclusion should be reached by the end of FY2007 on the legal handling of femtocell base stations in conjunction with their introduction, MIC has recently developed the draft handling policy.
(5) MIC now invites public comment on the draft handling policy, limited to the part from "II 2" on Page 2 and onward, and excluding "II 2 (1) 2) b 2". Public comment will be invited separately in regard to "II 2 (1) 2) b 2".
2. Future schedule
MIC will finalize the handling policy by considering the comments received.
Following the establishment of the handling policy, MIC will take necessary actions based on the policy.
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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
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