March 11, 2026 Results of the Solicitation for Opinions on the Draft Ministerial Ordinance Partially Amending the Essential Standards for Establishing Radio Stations, Excluding Basic Broadcast Stations (hereinafter the "Draft Ministerial Ordinance"), and the Report from the Radio Regulatory Council

- Development of the Regulatory Framework for the Introduction of the 800 MHz Broadband Low-power Radio System and the 800 MHz Band 3D Positioning System -

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) solicited opinions on the Draft Ministerial Ordinance that partially revises the Essential Standards for Establishing Radio Stations, Excluding Basic Broadcast Stations (Radio Regulatory Commission Rules No. 12 of 1950). The opinion solicitation period ran from Saturday, January 24, 2026, to Tuesday, February 24, 2026. As a result, six opinions were submitted. These opinions, along with the MIC’s position on them, will be made publicly available. 　Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC consulted the Radio Regulatory Council, chaired by SASASE Iwao, professor emeritus at Keio University, regarding the appropriateness of the Draft Ministerial Ordinance. Today, the MIC received a report stating that it is appropriate to make amendments in accordance with the content of the Draft Ministerial Ordinance.
　Based on the results of the opinion solicitation and the report from the Radio Regulatory Council, the MIC will promptly amend the related regulations.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Overview

　It has been announced that the digital MCA system, introduced in 1994, will cease operations at the end of May 2029. The MIC conducted a survey on new radio systems to utilize the frequencies that will become available after the termination of the digital MCA system. Among the proposed systems, the "broadband low-power radio system" and the "3D positioning system" have been identified as candidates for introduction in the 800 MHz band, including during the remaining period of the digital MCA system.

　In light of this situation, the Information and Communications Council, chaired by ENDO Nobuhiro, special advisor to NEC Corporation, reviewed the technical requirements for introducing the 800 MHz broadband low-power radio system and the 3D positioning system. In October 2025, the Council submitted a partial report on these technical requirements.

　In response, the MIC decided to develop a necessary regulatory framework to introduce these systems. The MIC solicited opinions on the Draft Ministerial Ordinance. The opinion solicitation period ran from Saturday, January 24, 2026, to Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

2. Report from the Radio Regulatory Council

　Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC consulted the Radio Regulatory Council on matters under the Radio Act (Act No. 131 of 1950) set forth in the Draft Ministerial Ordinance. Today, the MIC received a report indicating that the amendment in accordance with the Draft is appropriate.

4. Future plans

　Based on the report from the Radio Regulatory Council and the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC will promptly amend the related regulations.