June 10, 2022 Solicitation of Opinions on Draft Public Notices Based on Provisions of Article 5-2 of Regulation for Enforcement of Radio Act

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) prepared draft amendments to public notices based on the provisions of Article 5-2 of the Regulation for Enforcement of the Radio Act. Accordingly, MIC will solicit opinions on the draft public notices from Saturday, June 11 through Monday, July 11, 2022.

1. Background and outline

Radio waves are finite and scarce resources that are utilized for various purposes as an important foundation in the people's everyday lives and Japan's social and economic activities. It is hoped that their benefits will be spread widely to the people and that Japan’s economy and society will be revitalized as a result.

Due to the increased sophistication of radio technology and diverse utilization of radio waves in line with the expansion and diffusion of radio wave utilization, and in light of changes in the state of society in which radio waves are utilized, MIC will solicit opinions on draft amendments (abolishment / new establishment) of public notices based on the provisions of Article 5-2 of the Regulation for Enforcement of the Radio Act, so as to clarify and streamline the provisions of the public notices.

Outline of the draft amendments

The provisions of the public notices in question (operation of a radio station conducted by a person other than a licensee, etc. (meaning a licensee or registrant; the same applies hereinafter) in relation to matters necessary for the execution of a business or services of the licensee, etc. is regarded as operation of a radio station conducted by the licensee, etc. if the licensee, etc. appropriately supervises the person other than the licensee, etc. that operates the radio station (hereinafter referred to as the "operator") so as to ensure proper operation of the radio station, and if that operation is useful at times of emergency or urgency or contributes to efficient utilization of radio waves and is set forth in those public notices) are clarified.
The proper stationing of radio operators and the grounds for disqualification of operators are clarified.
In addition, provisions are streamlined as necessary.

2. Procedure of solicitation of opinions

1. Subjects of solicitation of opinions

Draft notices

• 1.
  Regarding specification of operation of a radio station conducted by a person other than a licensee, etc. that is regarded as operation of a radio station by the licensee, etc. [newly established]
• 2.

  Regarding specification of operation of a radio station (limited to an amateur radio station) conducted by a person other than a licensee that is regarded as operation of a radio station by the licensee [newly established]

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    For clarifying the provisions, the contents of the current public notice are divided into two and newly established as the public notices referred to in 1. and 2.. The public notice referred to in 2. (relating to an amateur radio station) contains no substantial change from the relevant portion of the current provisions.
• 3.

  Regarding specification of cases in which operation of a radio station conducted by a person other than a licensee is regarded as operation of a radio station by the licensee (Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Public Notice No. 183 of 1995) [current provisions / abolished]

  • *
    With the new establishment of the public notices referred to in 1. and 2., the public notice referred to in 3. is abolished.

2. Period for submission of opinions

From Saturday, June 11, to Monday, July 11, 2022

3. Future schedule

MIC will amend the public notices (abolishment and new establishment) based on the opinions submitted regarding the draft public opinions.

4. How to obtain reference information

MIC will make the reference information available for viewing and obtaining copies at the Land Mobile Communications Division, Radio Department, Telecommunications Bureau, MIC (10th Floor, MIC). The reference information will also be posted on the public comment page of the e-Gov (https://www.e-gov.go.jp/en/ ).

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  The published material is in Japanese only.