November 21, 2024 The Results of the Solicitation for Opinions on the "Draft Position on the Draft Ordinance of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) Regarding the Universal Service System for Broadband Services" (hereinafter referred to as the "Draft Position") and publication of the Final Position

 The Draft Position had been discussed at the Study Group on Cost Calculation under the Universal Service System for Broadband Services, chaired by SEKIGUCHI Hiromasa, Professor at the Faculty of Business Administration, Kanagawa University (hereinafter referred to the as "Study Group"). The MIC solicited opinions on the Draft Position from Saturday, October 12, 2024, to Monday, November 11, 2024.
 Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, the Study Group discussed the issue and compiled the "Draft Position on the Draft MIC Ordinance Regarding the Universal Service System for Broadband Services." The MIC has published the 15 opinions that were submitted along with its position.

1. Background, etc.

 For the universal service system for broadband services, the following reports from the Information and Communications Council state that it would be appropriate to accurately grasp the number of circuits used to calculate the amount of contributions and continuously examine the fairness of burden sharing: "Basic Telecommunications Service System for Broadband Services" (February 7, 2023) and "Calculation of Subsidies and Contributions under the Universal Service System for Broadband Services" (March 28, 2024).
 In response, the MIC convened a Study Group meeting in September 2024 to discuss subjects for contribution collection, various reporting methods, and other related issues.
 After the 15th Study Group meeting held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the MIC solicited opinions on the Draft Position from Saturday, October 12, 2024, to Monday, November 11, 2024 and received 15 opinions.
 Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, discussions were held at the 16th Study Group meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, and the Final Position was compiled. The MIC has publicized the submitted opinions along with its position.