January 21, 2021 Re-request on Payment Deadline Extension as a Result of the Spread of New Coronavirus Infection

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

On March 19, 2021, MIC requested four associations related to telecommunications carriers (the Telecom Services Association, Telecommunications Carriers Association, Japan Cable and Telecommunications Association, and Japan Internet Providers Association) that they take measures to prevent users from suffering disadvantages. The requested measures included the member companies of each association to consider users’ situations and take flexible measures, such as setting a sufficient grace period for the payment of telephone charges and renewal of contracts. MIC also requested the association to keep users well informed of the measures.
A state of emergency was issued on January 7, 2021, based on Article 32, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Special Measures Concerning New Influenza, etc. (Act No. 31 of 2012). On January 13, considering the addition of target areas based on the declaration, MIC renewed the request to the four associations related to telecommunications carriers to extend the payment deadline for telephone charges, etc.