February 2, 2021 Results of Appeal for Opinions on Draft Ministerial Ordinance and Pertinent Conditions on Partial revisions to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act and Report from the Radio Regulatory Council

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has today submitted an inquiry about the drafted partial revision of the ministerial ordinance etc. to the Radio Regulatory Council (Chaired by YOSHIDA Susumu, Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University) for institutional development related to amateur radio.
Regarding the draft ministerial ordinances, etc., MIC made an appeal for opinions from Friday, October 16 through Tuesday, November 17, on which 429 opinions were submitted. Accordingly, MIC has decided to open the opinions to the public, along with MIC’s views on the opinions.

1. Overview

1. Utilizing amateur radio in social contribution activities

Amateur radio has played an important regional role in securing communications in disaster areas. The revisions based on the operational results of amateur radio aim to clarify the definition of amateur radio so that amateur radio can be used in everyday life. For example, it can be used for volunteer activities in times of disaster emergencies or activities in areas against the background of mutual assistance through measures, such as those of the national and local governments. The revisions will enable effective use of radio waves and improvements in the status of amateur radio. At the same time, it will enable amateur radio to contribute to local communities.

2. Expansion of amateur radio experience opportunities for schoolchildren and junior high school students

In April 2020, MIC institutionalized amateur radio experience stations based on the recommendations of a growth strategy roundtable meeting. To further expand the base of wireless IoT human resources, MIC has drafted the institutional revision plan. This plan allows unqualified schoolchildren and junior high school students to be familiar with the possibility and enjoyment of using radio waves at home and school under the direction and presence of qualified personnel.

Outline

• A draft plan of utilizing amateur radio in social contribution activities and expanding opportunities for elementary and junior high school students to experience amateur radio―Bringing amateur radio to familiar activities

Inquiry to the Radio Control Council

• Draft Ministerial Ordinance, etc. for Partial Revisions to Essential Standards for Establishing Radio Stations other than Broadcast Stations (Inquiry No. 3)
• Notice to Make Partial Changes to the Frequency Allocation Plan (Inquiry No. 4)

2. Future plans

MIC will promptly make institutional development for the ministerial ordinance and pertinent conditions on partial revisions to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act based on opinions submitted and the report from the Radio Regulatory Council.

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