December 5, 2023 Results of Solicitation for Opinions on Draft Official Directive Partially Amending Examination Standards related to the Radio Act
Addition of examination items pertaining to the establishment of experimental test stations for the investigation of the establishment of medium-wave broadcasting stations and to the temporary reduction of the antenna power of medium-wave broadcasting stations

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) solicited opinions from Saturday, September 16 through Tuesday, October 17, 2023. This solicitation for opinions was on a draft directive to partially amend the Examination Standards related to the Radio Act (MIC Directive No. 67 of 2001) to expedite the licensing procedures for the establishment of experimental stations for the investigation of medium-wave broadcasting stations and the temporary reduction of the antenna power of medium wave broadcasting stations.

1. Results of solicitation for opinions

In reviewing applications related to i. and ii. below, MIC has been reviewing applications based on individual application information.

• i.
  Establishment of an experimental test station for conducting location studies (a survey of the status of an establishment of a broadcasting station) to investigate the coverage area of a backup transmitter facility for medium-wave broadcasting stations, either upon its installation or relocation.
• ii.
  Change to temporarily designate lower antenna power than currently designated for maintenance and inspection (e.g., painting of towers) of the antennas of medium-wave broadcasting stations.

Cases of individual examinations on these matters have accumulated. Therefore, to clarify common examination matters and expedite the licensing procedures, MIC solicited opinions on the directive for partial amendments to the Examination Standards related to the Radio Act.
The opinions submitted, along with MIC’s views on them, are shown in Attachment 1, and the Official Directive Partially Amending Examination Standards related to the Radio Act (Official Directive No. 46 of December 5, 2023), has been enacted based on the opinions, is shown in Attachment 2.

2. How to obtain materials

Attachments 1 and 2 will be made available for inspection and distribution at the following contact point. They will also be posted in the Public Comment section of the e-Government (e-Gov) portal (https://www.e-gov.go.jp).

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  The published materials are in Japanese only.