Summary of Meeting of the Radio Regulatory Council (No. 908)



1. Date and time
  July 12, 2006 (Wednesday)
15:02 to 17:20
2. Location
  Meeting Room of MIC (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)
(Meeting Room No. 1002 on the 10th floor)
3. Attendees (Honorifics omitted)
(1) Members of the Radio Regulatory Council
  Mitsutoshi Hatori (Chairperson), Takeo Inokuchi (Vice-Chairperson), Junichi Hamada, Koshiko Kodate
(2) Hearing Examiner of the Radio Regulatory Council
  Syuichi Tanaka
(3) Secretary
  Ikko Mitsui (Deputy Director of General Affairs Division, Telecommunications Bureau)
(4) MIC (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)
  Suda (Director-General of Telecommunications Bureau), Sakurai (Director-General of Radio Department), and others

4. Minutes of the Meeting
(1) Draft for MIC ordinance to amend respective portions of Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Law, Regulations for Radio Equipment, and Ordinance Concerning Technical Regulations Conformity Certification, etc. of Specified Radio Equipment; and draft for a partial amendment of the Frequency Assignment Plan
(Consultation No. 11 and No. 12 of May 17, 2006)
     The council deliberated a partial amendment of the Frequency Assignment Plan and the MIC ordinance draft mentioned in the title, based on submissions from the hearing examiner, who presided over the opinion hearing procedure. The drafts pertain to the introduction of the Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Radio System, which uses a microwave band for telecommunication purposes. The hearing examiner submitted written opinions and written statements (cf. No. 412: Written Opinion from Hearing on Opinions from the Radio Regulatory Council). The council summarily accepted the contents of the drafts, and submitted a report.
In regard to the ordinance draft for a partial amendment of the Regulations for Radio Equipment, the council added its opinion that rules on technical conditions to assure in-door use should be revised to more accurately reflect the deliberation by the Information and Communication Council. Moreover, in regard to the draft for a partial amendment of the Frequency Allocation Table, the council added its opinion that it is appropriate to amend the note in the third frequency allocation table regarding the purpose of Item 4.4 of the Radio Regulations, so as to include the receiving equipment operated in conformance to the Frequency Allocation Table in the scope of protection.

(2) Cancellation of accreditation of the establishment plans of specified base stations using frequencies in the 1.7GHzgigahertz band
(Consultation No. 14 of May 17, 2006)
  In regard to the cancellation of accreditation of BB Mobile Corp's establishment plan, the council deliberated the case based on the written opinions and written statements submitted by the hearing examiner, who presided over the opinion hearing procedure (cf. No. 413: Written Opinion from Hearing on Opinions from the Radio Regulatory Council). The council accepted the cancellation as appropriate and submitted a report.

(3) Draft for the MIC ordinance to amend respective portions of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Law, Regulations for Operating Radio Stations, and Regulations for Radio Equipment. (Introduction of float-free S-VDR and addition of frequencies to be used for Satellite EPIRB, etc.)
(Consultation No. 17)
  As this case is related to Consultation No. 18, the MIC explained the case together with Consultation No. 18.

(4) Draft for a partial amendment of the Frequency Assignment Plan. Amendment due to the introduction of float-free S-VDR and addition of frequencies to be used for Satellite EPIRB, etc.
(Consultation No. 18)
  As this case is related to Consultation No. 17, the MIC explained the case together with Consultation No. 17.
Since the Radio Law stipulates the hearing of opinions in regard to Consultation No. 17, and since it was judged appropriate to hear opinions on Consultation No. 18 together with opinions on Consultation No. 17, the hearing was held on the same occasion. Syuichi Tanaka was designated as the hearing examiner to preside over the opinion hearing procedure.
- Explanation by MIC
  There are basically two issues concerning this consultation. The first concerns the introduction of the Float-Free S-VDR (Simplified Voyage Data Recorder).
The Float-Free S-VDR is an information recording device for investigating the causes of marine accidents. Traditionally, a ship uses what is called a non-simplified VDR. This VDR is not a radio device – if a ship sinks, the equipment sinks together with the ship, and is collected from the ship after the sunken ship has been discovered. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stipulates that cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards and all passenger ships must carry a VDR. This regulation came into effect on July 1, 2002.
However, as the VDR is very expensive, the regulation was not enforced for cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards that were constructed on or before June 30, 2002, and the issue was left to be reconsidered by the IMO. In response to this situation, discussion extended over the S-VDR, which is similar to the VDR but with simplified functions. The conclusion was reached that cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards, that were constructed before the effective date of the convention, should carry either a VDR or an S-VDR.
The S-VDR's functions are simplified compared to the VDR. For example, part of the recorded information has been simplified. In addition, there are two types of S-VDR – one is a free-float type, and the other is a fixed type. The fixed type S-VDR does not emit radio waves, and is not radio device. The free-float type, on the other hand, becomes detached from a sinking ship in the event of a marine accident. The radio transmitter installed emits radio waves to notify its position to shore, via artificial satellite. On this occasion, amendments will be made to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Law, and other regulations, in relation to the float-free S-VDR which emits radio waves.
The main content of the amendment is as follows. The first point is to have the Regulations for Radio Equipment revise the regulations for the technical requirements of the radio equipment to be installed in the free-float S-VDR. According to the resolution by the IMO, the technical standard for the free-float S-VDR is required to meet the technical requirements of the EPIRB Satellite. The requirements shall be stipulated by the Regulations for Radio Equipment. The second point is to amend Article 28 of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Law in order to regulate radio equipment installed in the free-float S-VDR as radio equipment for Compulsory Ship Stations. The third point is that since the radio equipment installed in the EPIRB Satellite is virtually identical to the equipment installed in the free-float S-VDR, regulations shall be amended so that the regulations currently applied to the EPIRB Satellite, excluding rules pertaining to distress signals, will also be applied to radio equipment installed in the free-float S-VDR radio equipment. Concurrently, the Frequency Assignment Plan shall be amended so that the S-VDR may also use the frequencies used by the EPIRB Satellite.
The second issue concerning this consultation is the assignment of additional frequencies to be made available for the EPIRB Satellite and for other purposes. At present, the assigned frequency bands to be used when a ship or aircraft is in distress, are the 121.5MHzmegahertz band for informing aircraft of distress sites, and the 406MHzmegahertz band for connecting to the COSPAS/SARSAT Satellites. Regulations shall be introduced to add frequency bands for satellites.
These frequency bands conform to the channel plan of the International Cospas/Sarsat Programme Agreement, which enables international and coordinated use of satellites. When it is determined that the number of radio devices using an existing frequency band has reached a certain level, it is required to add a new frequency band. Currently, the 406.028MHzmegahertz band is being used. However, the number of radio devices on EPIRB Satellites using this frequency is increasing, and there has been concern that connection was becoming difficult. It has been decided to terminate use of this frequency in January 1, 2007, and to use the substitute 406.037 MHzmegahertz band. However, for radio equipment granted use of the 406.028 band on or before January 1, 2007, operation using this frequency is permitted.
Given this background, in order to add the 406.037 MHzmegahertz band to the frequency bands assigned to EPIRB Satellites, it has been decided to amend the regulation and other rules that refer to the frequency bands of EPIRB Satellites, and make additions to the Frequency Assignment Plans.

(5) Draft of the MIC ordinance to amend portions of the Regulations for Radio Equipment
(Consultation No. 19)
  The MIC explained the draft of the MIC ordinance to amend portions of the Regulations for Radio Equipment that stipulate the technical standard for power-line carrier communication systems using the frequency band of 2MHzmegahertz to 30MHzmegahertz.
Article 99-12-(1) of the Radio Law stipulates the hearing of opinions concerning this issue. Syuichi Tanaka was assigned as the hearing examiner to preside over the opinion hearing procedure.
- Explanation by MIC
  According to the Radio Law, power-line carrier communication systems fall under the category of Industrial Facilities Emitting High Frequency Radio Waves. Industrial Facilities Emitting HF Radio Waves are not actually supposed to emit radio waves. However, since they use high frequency electric current, radio wave leakage can be radiated into space and cause interference (cross talk or noise) to radio communication. Therefore, under the Radio Law, permission is required for the installation of Industrial Facilities Emitting HF Radio Waves that may cause interference to radio communication.
Article 100 of the Radio Law regulates “i1) Telegraphy, telephony or other telecommunications facilities which apply radio frequency currents of 10 kHzkirohertz or above to the wired system” and “ii2) Radio facilities and facilities other than those of the preceding item, which use radio frequency currents of 10 kHzkirohertz or above, and are specified in the applicable MIC ordinance” as Industrial Facilities Emitting HF Radio Waves that require permission for installation. On the other hand, medical equipment or industrial heating equipment with high frequency output not exceeding 50W; or industrial facilities emitting HF Radio Waves that are manufactured following the same design, for which models have been designated and verified, do not need permission for installation.
The 10 kHzkirohertz to 450 kHzkirohertz band is already available for use by power-line carrier communication. In recent years, with information and telecommunication infrastructure requiring broadband-ization, there is demand for high-speed data transmission using power-lines installed within buildings. Notably, there is demand for use of the 2MHzmegahertz to 30MHzmegahertz band for high-speed power-line carrier communication. This frequency band was selected as the most appropriate, having taken into consideration the frequency characteristics of noise caused by home electric appliances, and the transmission characteristics of power lines.
The image of power-line carrier communication use is that of home network. Optical fiber lines are installed at the connection point at the start of the in-door network used for Internet connection and data transmission either within one room or between different rooms. Signals from the optical fiber lines are sent to the various rooms of the house using power-lines.
To make the 2MHzmegahertz to 30MHzmegahertz frequency band newly available for power-line carrier communication, it has become necessary to suppress the unneeded radio waves that are emitted from the above mentioned frequency bands, and bands on either side of the above mentioned frequency bands, to a certain level. Measures shall be taken to enable concurrent use of these frequency bands for both radio communication and power-line carrier communication.
The Information and Communications Council deliberated the technical conditions pertaining to radio wave leakage from high-speed power-line carrier communication from January 2006. On June 29, the council submitted a “Part of the report on ‘Tolerance Levels and Method of Measurement Regarding High-Speed Power-Line Carrier Communication System' from the ‘Regulations of the International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR)'”. On this occasion, regulations regarding the introduction of high-speed power-line carrier communication systems shall be maintained.
Concerning the outline of the ordinance draft for amendment, the Information and Communication Council included three basic points in deciding the level of tolerance of electromagnetic disturbance. Firstly, the tolerance level for power-line carrier communication equipment in a non-communicative state shall be the same as for IT equipment such as personal computers. Secondly, the tolerance level for utilized frequency bands in a communicative state shall be such that strength of the wave leaking from the high-speed power-line carrier communication systems be less than the level of ambient noise in separation. Thirdly, the tolerance level for non-utilized frequency bands in a communicative state shall be the same as for IT equipment such as personal computers. In line with these basic points, tolerance levels for conductive interference and radiated interference, for their corresponding frequencies, have been reported in detail.
Technical standards for power-line carrier communication equipment using the 2MHzmegahertz to 30MHzmegahertz frequency band are to be decided based on this report. Article 59 of the Regulations for Radio Equipment shall define power-line carrier communication equipment as using the 2MHzmegahertz to 30MHzmegahertz frequency band indoors. Additionally, Article 60 shall define the tolerance level for conductive interference and radiated interference. The measurement method shall be regulated separately in a public notice.

(6) Draft for a partial amendment of the Frequency Assignment Plan – Amendment pertaining to a review of the upper limit of the frequency band for terrestrial digital broadcasting.
(Consultation No. 20)
  MIC gave the explanation below on the draft for a partial amendment, pertaining to a review of the upper limit of the frequency band for terrestrial digital broadcasting, in the Frequency Assignment Plan. The council deliberated on the draft, and reported the draft as appropriate.
- Explanation by MIC
  In regard to the frequency used for digital broadcasting, the MIC consulted with the Radio Regulatory Council in July 2001 regarding the draft for amending the Frequency Assignment Plan that designates the future use of frequencies. At that time, the number of channels necessary for the expansion of terrestrial digital broadcasting nationwide was uncertain. Discussions at that time concluded that 40 to 42 channels would be required.
Therefore, 40 channels, channels 13 to 52, were assigned for terrestrial digital broadcasting in 2001. For two channels, channel 53 and 54, it was decided that the needs regarding these channels should be reviewed within five years, by July 2006.
Afterwards, as a result of a discussion at the Association for the Promotion of Digital Broadcasting, consisting of NHK, commercial television stations, and MIC, it was confirmed that expansion of terrestrial digital broadcasting nationwide by 40 channels from channel 13 to channel 52 would be possible.
As for use of channels 53 and 54 after the completion of digitalization, similar to other frequencies in the VHF or UHF band that would no longer be used following digitalization of television broadcasting, the Committee for Efficient Use of Radio Waves of the Information and Communications Council is studying possible methods of use. Regarding UHF band frequencies, including channel 53 and 54, it was suggested that they may be used for purposes other than television broadcasting (e.g. use by mobile radio communication systems).
Considering the above situation, it was decided to exclude channels 53 and 54 from television broadcasting use, from among the frequencies assigned to broadcasting operation in the Frequency Assignment Plan, upon the completion of digitalization in 2012. Review shall be made to define the frequency of channel 52 as the upper limit for terrestrial digital television broadcasting.

(7) FY 2005 Survey and Assessment on Actual Radio Spectrum Usage
(Consultation No. 21)
  In regard to FY 2005 Survey and Assessment of Actual Radio Spectrum Usage, the MIC gave the explanation below, and a Q&A session took place. After deliberation, the council reported the survey as appropriate.
a. Explanation by MIC
  The Survey of Actual Radio Spectrum Use is conducted every year, by deciding on a certain frequency band as the survey target. The survey targets were 3.4GHzgigahertz and above in FY 2003, from 770MHzmegahertz to 3.4GHzgigahertz in FY 2004, and 770MHzmegahertz and under in FY 2005. The cycle is roughly three years, and the frequency band of 3.4GHzgigahertz and above is planned to be the survey target again in FY 2006.
The number of radio stations using the frequencies of 770MHzmegahertz and below which were included in the survey target, was approximately 260 million. Surveyed items included the number of licensees and radio stations, the amount of traffic, the actual status of use, etc. Survey methods were such that along with a survey of the area under the jurisdiction of the eleven Regional Telecommunications Bureaus nationwide, a survey based on the information in the Comprehensive Radio Station Management System Database was implemented. Moreover, questionnaires were sent to licensees, and a survey based on the questionnaire report was also carried out.
The survey results have been summarized by classifying information by area under the jurisdiction of the eleven Regional Telecommunications Bureaus, and by radio wave using system.
According to this survey, the number of radio stations located in areas under the jurisdiction of the Regional Telecommunications Bureaus is, as a matter of course, large in areas such as the Kanto, Tokai, and Kinki regions. Yet, when comparing radio station distribution with mobile phone distribution, in the frequency band of 770MHzmegahertz and under, the rate is relatively low in the metropolitan areas, such as the Kanto and Kinki regions, compared to the nationwide level. In Touhoku, Hokkaido, and Shikoku, compared to mobile phone distribution and the like, the rate of radio station distribution is relatively high.
The evaluation of this survey involved dividing the frequency band of 770MHzmegahertz and under into five divisions. Analysis was carried out for each radio wave using system that used the frequencies of the respective divisions. The survey made assessments on matters such as the distribution status of radio stations, the status of use of radio equipment pertaining to radio stations, and the possibility of application of alternative means of telecommunication.
The outline of the assessment is as follows. Firstly, in the frequency band of 26.175MHzmegahertz or under, the survey assessed that it is appropriate to shift radio stations used for broadcasting relay to other telecommunication services.
In regard to the frequency band of 26.175 to 50MHzmegahertz, frequency transition was judged to be difficult. The survey judged that, without changes brought about by the introduction of new services through digitalization, etc., a change in frequency utilization status would be difficult.
In regard to the frequency band of 50 to 222MHzmegahertz, the survey suggested two points. The first point was that analogue disaster prevention radio communication, mainly using the 150MHzmegahertz band, should be set up in the 260MHzmegahertz band, which is used for digital disaster prevention radio communication. Secondly, the 90 to 108MHzmegahertz band and the 170 to 222MHzmegahertz band, used by terrestrial analogue television broadcasting, are presently under discussion by the Information and Communications Council. Therefore, the survey decided not to make an assessment at this point, and judged it appropriate to discuss the matter in detail during the next survey.
In regard to the frequency band of 222 to 335.4MHzmegahertz, the survey judged it appropriate to discuss the effective use of this frequency by considering a large reduction in the number of 280MHzmegahertz band pager system subscribers. The survey assessed that this frequency band is not being efficiently used.
In regard to the frequency band of 335.4 to 770MHzmegahertz, the survey judged that analogue disaster prevention radio communication using the 400MHzmegahertz band should be set up in the 260MHzmegahertz band, as with the analogue disaster prevention radio communication using the 150MHzmegahertz band. Moreover, the use of the 710 to 770MHzmegahertz frequency band, presently used by UHF television broadcasting, is currently being discussed by the Information and Communication Council. The survey decided to discuss the issue in detail at the next Survey of Actual Radio Spectrum Use.
b. Main contents of the Q&A session
  - The council asked if the annual Survey of Actual Radio Spectrum Use revealed any specific change over time, or in a particular direction. The MIC answered that the survey had entered its second round, and that since the survey on the frequency band of 3.4GHzgigahertz and above is to be carried out for the second time, the MIC expects to be able to make a comparison with the survey held in FY 2003. MIC commented that, regarding frequency reallocation, a Frequency Reallocation Policy has been set up. MIC expects to find out if frequency transfer timing can be implemented at an earlier stage, and if transfers are being steadily carried out. As pointed out by the council, the MIC is hoping to reaching clear-cut conclusions by comparing the survey results.
- The council asked about “general public opinion”. “General public opinion” means the opinions of citizens that are not engaged in business operations that frequently use radio waves. The council asked if such “general public opinion” has become increasingly apparent in the past three years. MIC answered that although accurate numbers are unavailable, the general trend in recent public comment is that individuals are giving there opinions more and more frequently. MIC feels that significant numbers of people are interested in radio wave use as individuals.

(8) Blanket licenses for specified radio stations belonging to NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and eight other companies
(Consultation No. 22)
  NTT DoCoMo, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as DoCoMo) and eight other companies applied for blanket licenses for terminals conforming to HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) technical specifications. MIC gave the explanation below, and a Q&A session took place. After deliberation, the council reported the blanket license as appropriate.
a. Explanation by MIC
  Currently, DoCoMo provides a third generation mobile phone service using the W-CDMA system. Nevertheless, to enhance data transmission speed, DoCoMo intends to introduce dual mode terminals that meet the technical requirements of both the conventional W-CDMA system and the HSDPA system.
In terms of the history of blanket licenses for third generation mobile phones granted to DoCoMo, the first blanket license for a terminal conforming to W-CDMA specifications was introduced in March 2001. Following this, licenses for the 800MHzmegahertz band, the 1.75GHzgigahertz band, and other frequencies have also been granted. In April 2003, a dual mode terminal, conforming to W-CDMA specifications and second generation PDC specifications, was granted a blanket license. The current application is for a dual mode terminal conforming to both W-CDMA and HSDPA specifications. The maximum transmission speed is 3.6Mbps.
The outline of HSDPA technology is as follows. The conventional W-CDMA technology system sends data at a uniform speed (maximum transmission speed is 384kbps) to terminals within one base station cell. Compared to this, the HSDPA system can change transmission speed depending on the data receiving status. When the radio wave status is optimal at the terminal end, signals notifying errors and corrections are minimized. This contributes to sending larger amounts of data pertaining to primary information. Alternatively, when the receiving status is optimum, capability can be maximized by multi-valued modulation that can maximize simultaneous transmission of signals on one wave form, by having the base station control the modulation method.
As for transmission speed, the maximum standardized speed is 14Mbps. Nevertheless, it was explained that with the level of technology achieved in mass produced terminals, the maximum speed is approximately 3.6Mbps. Thus, for now, the system will start at 3.6Mbps. Internationally, in Europe and the U.S., such a service has been just started with a speed of half this value, i.e. about 1.8Mbps.
What is expected is a typical improvement in usability that can be directly perceived by the users. Music downloading and image distribution services can be completed in 1/10th of the original required time.
Regarding the above mentioned issues, the MIC deliberated the possibility of frequency assignment in compliance with the Radio Law, and conformance to the basic standard for the establishment of specified base stations. Frequency assignment has been judged possible, since the 800MHzmegahertz band and the 2GHzgigahertz have already been allocated to DoCoMo, the applicant. As for the judgment on whether this case meets the basic standards for base station establishment, the council concluded that the case meets the respective requirements, taking into consideration the fact that the system meets the users' demands.
b. Main contents of the Q&A session
  The council asked if the W-CDMA system will be completely replaced by the HSDPA system. MIC answered that blank licenses have already been granted to terminals with W-CDMA functions. The incorporating of a new function into a terminal would simply be an addition.

(The Radio Regulatory Council Secretariat is responsible for the wording of this document)