April 3, 2020 Request for Securing a Communications Environment for Student Learning due to the Spread of New Coronavirus Infections

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has today requested four associations related to the telecommunications industry to secure a communications environment for student learning in connection with the spread of new coronavirus infections.

In response to the growing impact of new coronavirus infections, it is necessary for students to study via home-based remote learning. Depending on the communications environment in the homes of students, they may have difficulties studying because of mobile phone data limits.

With consideration for this situation, MIC has made a request to four associations related to the telecommunications industry (i.e., the Telecom Services Association, Telecommunications Carriers Association, Japan Cable and Telecommunications Association, and Japan Internet Providers Association) to take appropriate measures. Specifically, MIC requested that the associations have each member company take flexible measures against data limitations to secure an ideal communications environment for students to study at home using remote learning. Furthermore, MIC requested that the associations disseminate the measures that they take widely to users. Also, MIC requested that efforts be made to strengthen students’ awareness of the appropriate use of the Internet.