March 19, 2020 Request for Payment Deadline Extension as a Result of the Spread of New Coronavirus Infections

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has today requested four associations related to telecommunications carriers to extend the payment deadline for fixed-line and mobile phones due to increased influence of new coronavirus infection.

In the New Coronavirus Infectious Disease Control Headquarters meeting held on March 18, 2020, the Headquarters indicated a policy that requests prompt and flexible responses to new coronavirus infection. Such responses include the deferral of payment with consideration of the situation of those who have difficulty in paying bills for utilities (e.g., water and sewerage, NHK subscription fees, electricity, city gas, and landline/mobile phones) due to new coronavirus infections.

Due to the increased effects of new coronavirus infection, landline and mobile phone users may not be able to pay their bills by the payment deadline due to economic circumstances or may have difficulty in making payments or renewing contracts because they cannot go out.

With consideration of the situation, MIC has requested four associations related to telecommunications carriers (the Telecom Services Association, Telecommunications Carriers Association, Japan Cable and Telecommunications Association, and Japan Internet Providers Association) to take measures to prevent users from suffering disadvantages. The requested measures include the member companies of each association to consider users’ situations and take flexible measures, such as the setting of a sufficient grace period for the payment of telephone charges and renewal of contracts. MIC also requested the associations to strive to keep users well informed of the measures to be taken.