July 25, 2025 Results of the Opinion Solicitation on the Draft Cabinet Order for Partial Amendment of the Cabinet Order for Fees Relating to the Radio (hereinafter referred to as the "Draft Cabinet Order")
(Related to the digitization of radio station licenses)

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) solicited opinions on the Draft Cabinet Order from Saturday, May 31, 2025, to Monday, June 30, 2025. As a result, five opinions were submitted. The opinions submitted along with the MIC's position on them will be made available.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Background and overview

　In recent years, the government has been promoting the "Digital First Principle" as part of a collective effort. Under this policy, individual administrative procedures and related administrative tasks at government agencies will be completed entirely through digital means. This principle also applies to administrative procedures under the Radio Act. Operations conducted by both licensees and administrative agencies should be further expedited and streamlined, with cost reductions achieved through the continued promotion of digitization.
　Against this background, Act No. 27 of 2025, which partially amends the Radio Act and the Broadcasting Act, was promulgated. Based on this Act, paper licenses issued to radio stations will be abolished, a system will be introduced to enable licensees to view their license details online, and licenses for radio stations prepared for full digitization will be digitized. Electronic applications for radio operator licenses will also be made available.
　The application fees for radio station licenses are stipulated in the Cabinet Order for Fees Relating to the Radio Act (Cabinet Order No. 307 of 1958; hereinafter referred to as the "Fee Order"). These fees are determined pursuant to Article 103, Paragraph 1 of the Radio Act (Act No. 131 of 1950) in consideration of the actual costs. However, the digitization of radio station licenses necessitates the issuance, as needed, of a document certifying the matters recorded in the license record (hereinafter referred to as the "Certificate of Licensing Matters"). Those who request the issuance of the Certificate of Licensing Matters are required to pay fees. The MIC partially amended the Fee Order to include such fees and solicited opinions on the draft.

2. Future plans

　The cabinet order partially amending the Cabinet Order for Fees Relating to the Radio Act was prepared based on the Draft Cabinet Order and promulgated today. It will come into effect on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.