February 20, 2026 Results of Solicitation of Opinions on Partial Amendments to the Telecommunications Numbering Regulations and Related Matters, and Report from the Information and Communications and Posts Administrative Council

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) recently consulted the Information and Communications and Posts Administrative Council, chaired by AIDA Hitoshi, specially-appointed professor at the University of Tokyo, regarding partial amendments to the Telecommunications Numbering Regulations (Consultation No. 3205, December 9, 2025), and solicited opinions.
　Today, the MIC received a report from the Council on this matter, and will make the report, the opinions submitted, and its position on those opinions publicly available.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Summary of the amendments

　In May 2025, the Telecommunications Business Act (Act No. 86 of 1984) was amended to change the telecommunications numbering system in order to prevent telephone numbers from being used in crimes. In response, provisions to implement the revised Telecommunications Business Act need to be developed. As part of this effort, the Telecommunications Numbering Regulations (MIC Ordinance No. 4 of 2025) will be amended.

2. Results of the solicitation for opinions and the report

　On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the MIC submitted the partial amendments to the Telecommunications Numbering Act and related matters to the Information and Communications and Posts Administrative Council for consultation. Today, the MIC received the report from the Council stating that the amendment is appropriate.

3. Future plans

　Based on this report, as well as the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC will promptly develop the relevant provisions.