March 11, 2026 Designation of Specified Frequency Change Response Body for Implementing Changes to Frequencies in the Specified 5.9 GHz Band as Part of Specified Frequency Change Response Operations for Automated Driving Support

　To ensure a communications environment that supports automated driving, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) publicly solicited applications for specified frequency change response bodies. These bodies change 5.9 GHz band frequencies as part of specified frequency change response operations under the Radio Act (Act No. 131 of 1950). As a result, the MIC received an application from a single party: the Communications and Information Network Association of Japan (CIAJ), chaired by MORIKAWA Hiroyuki.
　The MIC consulted the Radio Regulatory Council, chaired by SASASE Iwao, on this matter and received a report concluding that the CIAJ is suitable to serve as a specified frequency change response body.

1. Overview

　The MIC is now preparing for the introduction of the V2X* communication system in the 5.9 GHz band to support automated driving. The introduction requires fixed radio stations nationwide currently using the 5.9 GHz band for broadcasting services to change their frequencies as part of the specified frequency change response operations. The response operations are implemented under Article 71-2 of the Radio Act, which was amended by the Act for Partial Revision of the Radio Act and the Broadcasting Act (Act No. 27 of 2025). To implement the frequency change, the MIC developed a regulatory framework, including specifying the expiration date of frequency use by existing radio stations and designating newly introduced radio stations after receiving a report from the Radio Regulatory Council. (The new regulatory framework was promulgated and enforced on January 30, 2026.)

　Based on the above regulatory framework and Article 71-3 of the Radio Act, the MIC publicly solicited applications for specified frequency change response bodies from Monday, February 2, 2026, to Tuesday, February 24, 2026. These bodies will carry out specified frequency change response operations to change frequencies in the 5.9 GHz band. As a result of the opinion solicitation, the CIAJ submitted an application.

　The MIC consulted the Radio Regulatory Council regarding the designation of the company as a specified frequency change response body. Today, Wednesday, March 11, the MIC received a report stating that the designation is appropriate.

• * V2X (Vehicle-to-everything): A generic term for communications between vehicles and various objects, such as vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

2. Future plans

　Based on the report from the Radio Regulatory Council, the MIC will designate the CIAJ as a specified frequency change response body, and will publicly announce the designation in the official gazette.