January 22, 2021 Inquiry to the Information and Communication Council on the Ideal State of Public Telephones in Response to Changes in the Socio-economic Environment

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has inquired the Information and Communications Council (Chaired by UCHIYAMADA Takeshi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Toyota Motor Corporation) today about the ideal state of public telephones in response to changes in the socio-economic environment.

1. Background

Type 1 public phones (limited to local calls, special communications for isolated islands, and emergency calls) are a universal service (basic telecommunications service). This positioning is from the perspective of ensuring social life safety and the minimum means of communication outdoors under the Telecommunications Business Act (Act No. 86 of 1984).
The use of public telephones continues to decline due to changes in the usage environment, such as the spread of mobile communications, the progress of declining population, and an expansion of depopulated areas. The minimum number of type 1 public phones to be installed nationwide is specified according to the installation standards stipulated in the Regulations for Enforcement of the Telecommunications Business Act (MPT Ordinance No. 25 of 1985). As the installation and maintenance of type 1 public phones account for most costs, it is not easy to further reduce costs.
On the other hand, there has been an increase in damage caused by frequent natural disasters, including the Great East Japan Earthquake, successive typhoons, and heavy rains. Public telephones are treated as priority telephones in times of disaster if it is difficult to use private phones. The number of public telephones for disaster use at evacuation centers is increasing. The role of public phones in times of disaster needs a review.
The socio-economic environment that surrounds information and communications is undergoing major changes. It is essential to consider necessary matters for reviewing the current rules and operations of public phones. The review needs to include improvements in the efficiency of service provision, from the perspective of making more effective use of public phones, including that in times of disaster, while taking into account the social role that public phones have played so far.
In response to the above, MIC consulted with the Information and Communications Council regarding the ideal state of public phones as an effective means of communication in emergencies, including disasters.

2. Matters to be reported

1. Ideal state of public phones as a universal service

Considering changes in the socio-economic environment, including the spread of mobile communications and population decline, MIC thinks it necessary to study whether it is appropriate to continue to position type 1 public phones as a universal service. It is also necessary to study the impact of the IP conversion of communications networks on the current system.

2. Ideal state of installation standards in anticipation of changes in the socio-economic environment

It is necessary to consider reviewing the current installation standards from the perspective of efficiency improvements in the provision of public telephones. At that time, it is necessary to study measures to respond more appropriately to users’ needs so that users’ convenience will not be significantly impaired by reviewing the installation standards.

3. Ideal state of public phones in times of disaster

The use of public phones expanded during large-scale disasters in the past. On the other hand, the use of public phones in times of disaster has not been institutionalized, and it is necessary to study the ideal state of the same for the future.

4. Other matters considered necessary

3. Expected time of response

Around June 2021

Contact

For further information about this press release, please fill in the inquiry form and submit it to MIC on the website
https://www.soumu.go.jp/common/english_opinions.html

International Policy Division, Global Strategy Bureau, MIC

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