May 20, 2020 Appeal for Opinions on Draft Notices for Partially Revision Related to Specifying Technical Regulations Designated by the Minister as Equivalents of Technical Standards Prescribed in Chapter III of the Radio Act, Described in Article 4-2, Paragraph 1, According to Provisions of Article 4-2, Paragraph 7

  The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) drafted a set of notices for partial revision related to specifying technical regulations designated by the Minister as equivalents of technical standards prescribed in Chapter III of the Radio Act, described in Article 4-2, Paragraph 1, according to provisions of Article 4-2, Paragraph 7.
  Accordingly, MIC will make an appeal from Thursday, May 21 through Friday, June 19, 2020, for opinions on the drafted notices.

1. Background

The Act on Partial Amendments to the Telecommunications Business Act, etc. (Act No. 26 of 2015) was promulgated on May 22, 2015, based on which an exceptional system was established, and it took effect on May 21, 2016. This system allows foreign tourists to use wireless devices, such as mobile phones, BWA terminals, and Wi-Fi terminals, brought in Japan, provided that such wireless devices meet certain technical regulations equivalent to the technical standards stipulated by the Radio Act.
Furthermore, the Act on Partially Amending the Radio Act (Act No. 6 of 2019) was promulgated on May 17, 2019, based on which an exceptional system was established, and it took effect on November 20, 2019. This system applies to the use of low-power wireless equipment without conformity markings for experiment purposes. This has made it possible to establish radio stations for experiments without acquiring radio station licenses (those that meet certain requirements specified by an ordinance of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications). The operation of such radio stations is subject to the use of Wi-Fi or other wireless equipment that complies with the technical regulations designated by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, equivalent to the technical standards specified by the Radio Act.
Recently, MIC drafted a set of revisions of notices, as shown in Attachment 1, to update the regulations covered by these systems and review the method that confirms the regulations are equivalent to the technical standards prescribed in Chapter III of the Radio Act. Accordingly, MIC has decided to make an appeal for opinions on the revisions.

2. Procedure of appeal for opinions

1. Subject

Appeal for Opinions on Draft Notices for Partially Revision Related to Specifying Technical Regulations Designated by the Minister as Equivalents of Technical Standards Prescribed in Chapter III of the Radio Act, Described in Article 4-2, Paragraph 1, According to Provisions of Article 4-2, Paragraph 7

2. Submission period

From Thursday, May 21, 2020, and no later than Friday, June 19, 2020 (Opinions submitted by mail will be accepted if postmarked the sameday.)

3. Future plans

MIC will revise the notices with consideration of the result of the appeal for opinions.

4. Method for obtaining references

MIC will post references for this matter on the public comment page of the e-Gov (https://www.e-gov.go.jp ).