September 30, 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, and solicited opinions from Saturday, June 11 through Monday, July 11, 2022 on the draft. As a result, eight opinions were submitted. Accordingly, MIC discloses the submitted opinions along with MIC’s views on the opinions to the public.

1. Background and overview of the revision

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 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 revise (abolish/newly establish) 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. Result of solicitation of opinions

In response to the solicitation of opinions, eight opinions were submitted.

3. Future schedule

Based on the result of the solicitation of opinions, the draft amendment was promulgated today, and comes into effect on October 1, 2022.

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

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  The published material is in Japanese only.