July 14, 2021 Report from the Radio Regulatory Council and Results of Appeal for Opinions on Draft Ministerial Ordinance etc. for Partial Revision of the Ordinance Regulating Radio Equipment

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) submitted an inquiry to the Radio Regulatory Council (Chaired by HIBINO Takashi, Chairman of the Members of the Board and Chairman of Daiwa Securities Group Inc.) today. This inquiry covered a draft to partially revise the Ministerial Ordinance for Partial Revision of the Radio Equipment Regulations etc., to extend the frequency expiration date for convenience radio stations in analog mode. Then MIC received a report from the Radio Regulatory Council stating its approval as inquired.
MIC made an appeal for opinions on the draft of the relevant ministerial ordinance etc. from Friday, May 14 through Monday, June 14, 2021, and received seven opinions. Accordingly, MIC has decided to open the opinions to the public together with MIC’s views on the opinions.

1. Outline of revision

In August 2008, convenience radio stations in analog mode using the 350 and 400 MHz bands (hereafter, “analog convenience radio stations”) were newly assigned with frequencies originally prepared for convenience radio stations in digital mode as a result of the revision of the frequency assignment plan (under MIC Notice No. 463 of 2008). This decision was in prompt response to growing radio wave usage needs. The decision aimed to promote the introduction of digital wireless systems, in which the expiration date of the frequencies for analog convenience radio stations was set to November 30, 2022.
In this connection, it is necessary for analog convenience radio stations to promptly complete the migration to newer radio stations, such as convenience radio stations in digital mode, and effectively use radio waves. However, due to the socio-economic impact of novel coronavirus infections, it is expected that the migration to convenience radio stations in digital mode will be delayed. Therefore, as a measure to mitigate drastic changes, MIC has made a limited extension of the expiration date of the frequencies assigned to analog convenience radio stations for two years, considering the period of the medium-term management plans of companies (around three years). In other words, the current expiration date (November 30, 2022) will be extended to November 30, 2024. Accordingly, MIC has decided to revise the relevant ministerial ordinances, the relevant notice, and the Examination Standards related to the Radio Act.

Outline of revisions

• The frequency expiration date for analog convenience radio stations in the 350 and 400 MHz bands shall be extended to November 30, 2024, from November 30, 2022.
• On and after the date of enforcement of the amendment, only re-licenses shall be granted to analog convenience radio stations in the 350 and 400 MHz bands.
• In addition, necessary transitional measures shall be provided.

2. Result of appeal for opinions

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3. Future plans

MIC will revise the relevant ministerial ordinance, notice, etc., considering the report from the Radio Regulatory Council and the result of opinions submitted.