March 9, 2026 Publication of the Results of the Solicitation for Opinions on the Future Satellite Broadcasting Infrastructure for BS Broadcasting and 110°E CS Broadcasting

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) needs to consider future policies for BS and 110°E CS satellite broadcasting, including licensing policies for new satellites planned for launch in the second half of FY2029. To this end, the MIC solicited opinions on the satellite broadcasting infrastructure. The opinion solicitation period ran from Thursday, February 5, 2026, to Friday, February 27, 2026. The solicitation targeted businesses that already engage in the satellite broadcasting industry, as well as those considering entering the industry. As a result, 26 opinions were submitted.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Background

　Since November 2023, the MIC has been holding meetings of the Satellite Broadcasting Working Group under the Study Group on Broadcasting Systems in the Digital Age. The meetings have discussed measures such as reducing satellite broadcasting infrastructure costs and making effective use of the right-hand circular polarization band. The MIC summarized the Working Group’s activities in October 2024, and published the 3rd report under the title "Future Broadcasting in the Digital Era and the Broadcasting System" in December 2024. The summary report covers the following topics: a new satellite for BS and CS broadcasting will be launched as a joint satellite in the second half of FY2029; further study will be conducted on how to control the satellites; a public solicitation for licenses for the new BS broadcasting satellite will be initiated by the end of FY2026; and the necessary procedures for the solicitation will be carried out.

　Against this background, the MIC solicited opinions from Thursday, February 5, 2026, to Friday, February 27, 2026, to contribute to future policy deliberations on BS and 110°E CS satellite broadcasting, including licensing policies for new satellites planned for launch in late FY2029. As a result, 26 opinions were submitted.

2. Future plans

　Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC plans to proceed with necessary regulatory framework development.