October 8, 2008

Open Hearing to be Held on the Introduction of 3.9-Generation
Mobile Communications System and 2 GHzgigahertz
TDD Mobile Communications System

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will hold an open hearing on Friday, November 7, 2008, to obtain information that can be referenced in its study of future license policies and the like, for the introduction of the 3.9-generation mobile communications system and the mobile communications system using the 2 GHzgigahertz band TDD method.

1. Background and purpose
With sophistication and diversification of social and economic activities, data communications using mobile phones, including internet access and video transmission, are on the rise. There have been growing expectations for the introduction of a mobile communications system that is faster, with greater capacity, and more convenient.

In light of these technical trends, the Telecommunications Council began deliberation on the technical requirements and other matters necessary for the introduction of the 3.9-generation mobile communications system as IMT-2000, from April 10, 2008. A draft report will soon be released, and public comment will be invited thereon.

In consideration of both Japanese and foreign technological advancement as well as more efficient use of frequencies, the Telecommunications Council also studied a mobile communications system using the TDD method within the 2 GHzgigahertz band (2 GHzgigahertz TDD mobile telecommunications system). It submitted its partial report on the technical requirements necessary for the introduction of the new mobile communications system to MIC on July 29, 2008.

Under these circumstances, MIC is planning to develop systems including license policies relating to the introduction of the 3.9-generation mobile communications system and the 2 GHzgigahertz TDD mobile communications system for definite frequency assignment. To obtain information that can be referenced in its study, MIC will hold a hearing from experts and parties having actual plans for introducing those systems.

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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