January 21, 2020 Technical Requirements for Upgrading of Low-power Radio Stations in 920 MHz Band

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has today received a partial report from the Information and Communications Council (Chaired by Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Toyota Motor Corporation). The report, which specifies some of the technical requirements for the upgrading of low-power radio stations in the 920 MHz band, was issued in partial response to inquiry number 2009 about the technical requirements for low-power radio stations (September 30, 2002) addressed to the Telecommunications Technology Council.

1. Background

Active low-power wireless systems in the 920 MHz band are widely used for wireless equipment and devices, including radio-frequency identifications (RFIDs), smart meters, and sensor networks. In recent years, the low-power wide-area network (LPWA) system, which can transmit power over long distances, is becoming widespread as sensor networks, in addition to conventional communications, such as telemeters and telecommands. In Japan, this system is equipped with a carrier sense function for frequency sharing between system units. On the other hand, in other countries, functions, such as frequency hopping (FH) and low-duty cycle (LDC) functions, are provided, and the need to harmonize Japanese specifications with other countries is increasing.

In light of these needs, the Information and Communications Council has been studying technical conditions necessary for introducing a system that does not require the carrier sense function, and MIC has today received a report on the results of the study.

2. Future plans

With consideration of this report, MIC will promptly develop related regulations.