November 25, 2022 Approval of Amount and Providing Method of Grants and Approval of Amounts and Collection Method of Contributions based on Universal Service System

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) today received a report from the Information and Communications and Posts Administrative Council (chaired by KAWAHAMA Noboru, professor, Graduate School of Law, Kyoto University), stating that it is appropriate to grant approval for the amount and providing method of grants based on Article 109, Paragraph 1 of the Telecommunications Business Act (Act No. 86 of 1984) and approval for the amount and collection method of contributions based on Article 110, Paragraph 2 of said Act (Information and Communications and Posts Administrative Council Inquiry No. 3154, dated September 26, 2022). In consideration of the report, MIC will promptly carry out the requisite procedures for approval, etc. in regard to this matter.

1. Background, etc.

On September 15, 2022, the Telecommunications Carriers Association submitted two applications to the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications. One concerned approval of the amount and providing method of grants based on the provisions of Article 109, Paragraph 1 of the Telecommunications Business Act (Act No. 86 of 1984; hereinafter the "Act"). The other concerned approval of the amount and collection method of contributions based on Article 110, Paragraph 2 of the Act.

2. Report and result of solicitation of opinions

• 1.
  On September 26, 2022, MIC consulted the Information and Communications and Posts Administrative Council regarding approval of the amount and providing method of grants and approval of amounts and collection method of contributions based on the universal service system, and has today received a report stating that it is appropriate to grant such approval.
• 2.
  As a result of the public solicitation of opinions by the Council from September 27 through October 26, 2022, 2 opinions were submitted.

3. Future plans

In consideration of the report, MIC will promptly carry out the requisite procedures for approval, etc. in regard to this matter.

4. Relevant press release

The release will be posted on the public comment page of the e-Gov (https://www.e-gov.go.jp/ ).

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  The published materials are in Japanese only.