September 27, 2024 Introduction of Electronic Licenses, etc. for Radio Stations

 Based on the report from the Radio Policy Roundtable for Expanding Digital Business (hereinafter referred to as the "Roundtable"), the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has decided to study the promotion of digital principles, including the early submission of a bill to advance this initiative further to the Diet. The MIC has also decided to delay the introduction of electronic licenses for radio stations until the summer of 2025 or beyond.

 The report submitted by the Roundtable in August 2024 states that "digitally completing the radio station licensing procedures and achieving end-to-end digital handling will benefit all parties involved in the public and private sectors, and will include cost reductions. It would be appropriate to consider making electronic applications mandatory in a phased manner while providing appropriate support and certain transitional measures for applicants and other parties." To further promote digital principles, the MIC has decided to study the simultaneous institutionalization of digital licenses more suited for digital completion and the phased implementation of obligations for electronic applications, including the early submission of a bill to achieve this goal to the Diet. For this reason, we have decided to delay the introduction of electronic licenses for radio stations until the summer of 2025 or beyond.
 The solicitation for opinions on this matter will be conducted again as soon as it is ready.