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On April 18, 2001, the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (MPHPT) submitted to the Radio Regulatory Council a draft of the ministerial ordinance for partially revising the basic standards on the establishment of broadcasting stations, as part of the preparations for the introduction of terrestrial digital television broadcasting. The council is headed by Professor Shigeo Tsujii of the Science and Technology Department of Chuo University.
The ministry invites the public to present its views concerning the revision contained in the draft of the ministerial ordinance during the period from April 18, 2001 through May 17, 2001.

1.

Outline of the revision The draft is concerned with the broadcasting service areas to be allocated to the broadcasting stations that will perform terrestrial digital television broadcasting. The outline of the draft is as follows: (1) The main point of the revision The draft provides the lower limit of the electric-field intensity at which reception of digital terrestrial television broadcasting becomes possible. Only the areas with a higher level of electric-field intensity will be acknowledged as the service areas of the terrestrial digital television broadcasting stations. (2) Provisions to be revised Service areas [Article 2-11 (3)] (Indicated on the attached paper ---- Omitted).

2.

Period of inviting public comment Public comment on this matter should be sent to the following address by mail, FAX or e-mail. The comments must reach us no later than May 17, 2001 (Thursday). Address: �§100-8926, No. 2 Bldg. of Chuo-godochosha. 2-1-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. Officials in charge of public comment: Information and Communications Policy Bureau Broadcasting Technology Division Deputy Director: Kondo Section chief: Karasawa TEL: 03-5253-5787 FAX: 03-5253-5788 E-mail: kuiki@soumu.go.jp We will publish the comments we receive, along with our response. When we do so, we may make public names and other information on the individuals (corporations) who sent in comments. [If you do not want to have your name (corporation's name), or a part or all of your opinion published, please state this clearly].

Please refer questions concerning this press release to:
International Policy Division, International Affairs Department
Telecommunications Bureau
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
Tel: (03) 5253-5920 Fax: (03) 5253-5924