August 25, 2025 Survey on New Wireless Usage on 900-MHz Band

　To help consider how to make use of frequency bands that will become available after the termination of the digital MCA land mobile communication system and the advanced MCA wireless communication system, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will conduct surveys and related activities on new wireless uses in the 900 MHz band from Monday, August 25, 2025, through Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Background and purpose

　In the Frequency Reorganization Action Plan (FY2024 Version) published by the MIC on December 13, 2024, it was stated that, “in light of the announcement that the advanced MCA wireless communication system will end service at the end of March 2027, (omitted) the MIC will consider ways to utilize the frequencies after the service termination.”
　Furthermore, it has been announced that service of the digital MCA land mobile communication system will terminate at the end of May 2029. Regarding the 845-860 MHz band, the Information and Communications Council is currently deliberating the technical conditions for introducing a new wireless system. As for the 928-940 MHz frequency band, it has been decided that it will be examined separately.
　Based on the above, for the purpose of supporting these considerations, a survey will be conducted on prospective entrants regarding the advanced MCA wireless communication system, targeting the 890-900 MHz and 928-945 MHz frequency bands (Note 1), and at the same time, proposals will be solicited both for mobile communication systems conforming to 3GPP (Note 2) technical specifications and for specific new wireless usage systems.
(Note 1) Includes the guard band required for frequency sharing with other systems.
(Note 2) The 3rd Generation Partnership Project

2. Positioning of the survey

　This survey is being implemented to serve as reference for examining how to utilize the frequency bands that will become available after the termination of the digital MCA land mobile communication system and the advanced MCA wireless communication system.
　Responding to this survey is entirely voluntary, and participation does not bind respondents regarding the feasibility or content of any actual applications. Furthermore, responding to this survey does not guarantee approval for entry or acceptance of proposals.
　The proposals submitted in the “Survey on New Wireless Usage on 900-MHz Band” conducted on December 5, 2019, will not be taken into account in this survey. Therefore, if necessary, please resubmit your proposals for this survey.

3. Survey period

　From Monday, August 25, 2025 to Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

4. Eligible participants

(1) Survey on prospective entrants for the advanced MCA wireless communication system
　Those who intend to establish or operate an advanced MCA wireless communication system using a combination of the 890-900 MHz and 935-945 MHz frequency bands.

(2) Call for proposals for mobile communication systems conforming to 3GPP technical specifications
　Those who intend to establish or operate a mobile communication system conforming to 3GPP technical specifications using all or part of the 890-900 MHz and 928-945 MHz frequency bands.

(3) Call for proposals for specific new wireless use systems
　Those who are planning or considering new wireless uses employing all or part of the 890-900 MHz and 928-945 MHz frequency bands.

5. Contents of the survey

(1) Survey on prospective entrants for the advanced MCA wireless communication system
(2) Call for proposals for mobile communication systems conforming to 3GPP technical specifications
(3) Call for proposals for specific new wireless use systems

6. Future plans

　Based on the results of this survey, the MIC plans to seek opinions from external experts as necessary and to conduct deliberations on how to utilize the frequencies after the termination of the digital MCA land mobile communication service and the advanced MCA wireless communication service in the relevant frequency bands.
　In addition, the results of this survey will be compiled and made public.