November 27, 2024 Results of the Solicitation for Opinions on the Draft Ministerial Ordinance and Related Documents Partially Amending the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Draft Ministerial Ordinance"), and the Report from the Radio Regulatory Council

 To make institutional Development related to the partial deletion of NBDP, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) solicited opinions regarding the Draft Ministerial Ordinance. The opinion solicitation was conducted from Thursday, October 24, 2024, to Friday, November 22, 2024 and five opinions were submitted.
 Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC consulted the Radio Regulatory Council, chaired by SASASE Iwao, Professor Emeritus of Keio University, regarding the appropriateness of the Draft Ministerial Ordinance. Today, the MIC received a report stating that the Draft Ministerial Ordinance is appropriate.

1. Overview

1. Removing the NBDP for distress, emergency, and safety communications from GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) requirements

 In the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and Radiocommunication Regulations (RR), the NBDP for distress, emergency and safety communications will be removed from GMDSS requirements. In response, the MIC has prepared a draft ministerial ordinance, a draft notice and a draft directive to incorporate these changes into the relevant provisions of the Radio Act.

2. Introducing 400 MHz wideband digital on-board vessel radiocommunication equipment

 Currently, 400 MHz band digital on-board vessel radiocommunication equipment with a channel spacing of 6.25 kHz (24 channels) is institutionalized. The MIC has prepared a draft ministerial ordinance, a draft notice, and a draft directive to introduce equipment with a new channel spacing of 12.5 kHz (10 channels).

3. Introducing 9 GHz band solid-state radars for small vessels

 In response to a partial report dated Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from the Information and Communications Council, the MIC has prepared a draft ministerial ordinance, a draft notice, and a draft directive to establish technical standards for 9 GHz band pulse-type solid-state radars for small vessels, which can be operated without the need for a radio operator’s license.

 The MIC solicited opinions from Thursday, October 24, 2024, to Friday, November 22, 2024 regarding the Draft Ministerial Ordinance covering the aforementioned issues.

2. Report from the Radio Regulatory Council

 Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC consulted the Radio Regulatory Council regarding the Draft Ministerial Ordinance. Today, it received a report from the Council stating that the Draft Ministerial Ordinance is appropriate.