August 22, 2008

Public Comment Invited on Draft Amendment to the Regulations for Procedure for Obtaining a Radio Station License, MIC Notices Relevant to the Radio Law, and the Examination Standards Relating to the Radio Law

Introduction of data transmission equipment for use with radio stations for maritime mobile service
In conjunction with the introduction of data transmission equipment for use with radio stations for maritime mobile service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has developed draft amendment to the Regulations for Procedure for Obtaining a Radio Station License, MIC notices relevant to the Radio Law, and the Examination Standards Relating to the Radio Law (hereinafter, "draft amendment to relevant provisions).

MIC hereby invites public comment on the draft amendment to the relevant provisions from today until Monday, September 22, 2008.

1. Background
With regard to small-sized fishing boats, there is no end to marine accidents of tumbling into the sea. More than half of those who tumble into the sea are found dead or are missing. In order to address these issues, systems that enable tumbling persons to automatically communicate the emergency to coast stations via ship stations by using small-sized radio equipment that they wear are demanded. Also in demand are systems that allow a fleet of fishing ships to communicate the position of respective ships rapidly and accurately. MIC intends to develop provisions related to the introduction of these systems.

2. Outline of the amendment
(1) Regulations for Procedure for Obtaining a Radio Station License
Adding data transmission equipment and ID numbers of vessels, etc. to the construction design forms for coast stations and ship stations.
(2) Notices relevant to the Radio Law
a. Specifying technical requirements for data transmission equipment
b. Specifying simple operations that do not require licensed radio operator, omission of installation of the Radio Law abstract, timepiece, service documents, etc. and other related matters
(3) Examination Standards Relating to the Radio Law
a. Specifying the examination standards for data transmission equipment
b. Developing other necessary provisions

3. Future schedule
Considering the contributed comments, MIC will promptly amend the relevant MIC ordinance and such.

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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,
Global ICT Strategy Bureau, MIC
TEL: +81 3 5253 5920 / FAX: +81 3 5253 5924