May 19, 2021 Inquiry to Information and Communications Council on Ideal State of Telecommunications Number System to Create Diversified Services in Digital Society

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has today inquired the Information and Communications Council (Chaired by UCHIYAMADA Takeshi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Toyota Motor Corporation) on the ideal telecommunications number system to create diversified services in the digital society.

1. Background

Japan’s telecommunications number system has changed significantly due to the revision of the Telecommunications Business Act (by the Act for the Partial Amendment of the Telecommunications Business Act and the Act on The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Independent Administrative Agency, Act No. 24 of 2018), which came into effect in May 2019. Each telecommunications carrier that provides telecommunications services using telecommunications numbers now needs new procedures, including the creation of a telecommunications number use plan. Approximately two years have passed since this revision, the telecommunications market and social environment are changing, and diverse services have emerged. At the same time, there are movements to respond to new needs.
These movements include telecommunications carriers request that the system be reviewed for voice telephone services that use voice transmission mobile phone numbers and call forwarding services that use fixed telephone numbers. This request has made for the creation of a variety of services, considering the progress of technology, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the promotion of society’s transition to digitalization.
Therefore, to deal with immediate issues centered on the above services, it is necessary to consider the conditions and other factors for the use of telecommunications numbers based on past discussions.
From the above, MIC has decided to inquire on the ideal telecommunications number system to create diversified services in the digital society.

2. Item for which a report is requested

Ideal state of telecommunications number system to create diversified services in digital society

3. Deadline for the report

Around December 2021