October 15, 2020 Appeal for Opinions on Draft Ministerial Ordinances and Pertinent Conditions on Partial revisions to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has drafted revisions of ministerial ordinances, notices, and a directive for institutional development related to amateur radio. In this connection, MIC will make an appeal for opinions from Friday, October 16, through Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

1. Background and overview

In light of changes in the social environment, including amateur radio and social contribution activities, and requests from organizations related to amateur radio, MIC has decided to utilize amateur radio in social contribution activities and expand opportunities for elementary and junior high school students to experience amateur radio. Accordingly, MIC has drafted the following relevant ministry ordinances, etc. and decided to make this appeal for opinions.

Overview

• A plan of utilizing amateur radio in social contribution activities and expanding opportunities for elementary and junior high school students to experience amateur radio―Bringing amateur radio to activities familiar to the public

1. Utilization of amateur radio in social contribution activities

MIC has drafted an institutional revision plan considering the operational results of amateur radio, which has played an important role in various regions in securing communications in times of disaster. This institutional revision plan will enable amateur radio to contribute to local communities while improving the effective use of radio waves and the status of amateur radio. The plan clarifies the definition of amateur radio so that amateur radio can be used in everyday life for volunteer activities for emergencies in times of disaster and activities in areas against the background of mutual assistance in addition to measures of the national and local governments.

2. Expansion of amateur radio experience opportunities for elementary and junior high school students

In April of this year, MIC institutionalized amateur radio experience stations based on the recommendations of a growth strategy roundtable meeting. To further expand the base of wireless IoT human resources, MIC has drafted the institutional revision plan. This plan allows unqualified elementary and junior high school students to be familiar with the possibility and enjoyment of using radio waves at home and school under the direction and presence of qualified personnel.

2. Procedure of appeal for opinions

1. Subject

1. Utilization of amateur radio in social contribution activities

1. Draft ministerial ordinances

• Ministerial Ordinances for Partial Revisions to Essential Standards for Establishing Radio Stations other than Broadcast Stations

[The following revisions are inclusive]

• Draft Ministerial Ordinance for the Partial Revision of the Essential Standards for Establishing Radio Stations other than Broadcast Stations based on the Radio Act (Act No. 131 of 1950)
• Draft Ministerial Ordinance for the Partial Revision of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act (Radio Regulatory Commission Rules No. 14 of 1950) (except for a revised part pertaining to Article 34-10)
• Draft Ministerial Ordinance for the Partial Revision of the Rules Concerning Specific Frequency Change Support Service (Ministerial Ordinance of MIC Ordinance No. 104 of 2001)

2. Draft notices

• Draft Notice in Which the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Shall Specify Services pursuant to the Radio Equipment Regulations
• Draft Notice for the Partial Revision of the Frequency Allocation Plan (MIC Notice No. 471 of 2012)

3. Draft directive

• Draft Directive for the Partial Revision of the Examination Standards related to the Radio Act (MIC Directive No. 67 of 2001).

2. Expansion of Amateur Radio Experience Opportunities for Elementary and Junior High School Students

1. Draft ministerial ordinance

• Draft Ministerial Ordinance for the Partial Revision of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act as One of the Ministerial Ordinances for the Essential Standards for Establishing Radio Stations other than Broadcast Stations Regulations (except for a revised part pertaining to Article 34-10)

2. Draft notice

• Draft Notice that Stipulates the Conditions for Operating Amateur Radio Equipment under the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act

2. Period of submission

From Friday, October 16, and no later than Tuesday, November 17, 2020

3. Future plans

Considering the results of the appeal for opinions and a report of the Radio Regulatory Council in response to MIC’s inquiry on this matter, MIC will revise the relevant ministerial ordinances, notices, etc.

4. MIC will also post reference information on the public comment page of the e-Gov (https://www.e-gov.go.jp/en/ ).