June 5, 2024 Publication of the “Third Report of the Study Group on Intercarrier Roaming in Emergency Situations” and Results of the Solicitation of Opinions

 The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will publish the “Third Report” compiled by The Study Group on Intercarrier Roaming in Emergency Situations (chaired by AIDA Hitoshi, project professor at the University of Tokyo).

Overview

 MIC organized the Study Group on Intercarrier Roaming in Emergency Situations. Since September 2022, the study group has been conducting deliberations regarding “intercarrier roaming*”, which allows mobile phone users to temporarily use other carriers’ networks to secure means of communication during emergencies.
 This Study Group compiled a “Third Report (Draft)”. Based on the draft report, MIC solicited opinions from Friday, April 5 to Thursday, May 9, 2024. As a result, 14 opinions were submitted.
 The “Third Report of the Study Group on Intercarrier Roaming in Emergency Situations” has been released, based on these opinions and the results of discussions at the 13th meeting (held on Tuesday, May 28 of the same year).
 * Intercarrier roaming refers to a mechanism of mutual use of networks among carriers that allows mobile phone users to temporarily use the networks of other carriers when mobile phone services are disrupted due to a disaster or equipment malfunction.

 < Reference >
 ○ The Study Group on Intercarrier Roaming in Emergency Situations
 https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/kenkyu/roaming_kentoukai/index.html