August 31, 2026 Results of the Solicitation for Opinions on the Draft Ministerial Ordinance Partially Amending the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act and Other Related Regulations, and the Report from the Radio Regulatory Council

- Institutional Improvements for Introduction of 700 MHz Band Non-Geostationary Satellite Communications Systems for Mobile Phones Using a Satellite Constellation -

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) solicited opinions on the draft ministerial ordinance to partially amend the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act (Radio Regulatory Commission Rules No. 14 of 1950) and other related regulations, from Saturday, July 11, 2026 to Monday, August 10, 2026, with the aim of implementing institutional improvements for introduction of 700 MHz Band Non-Geostationary Satellite Communications Systems for Mobile Phones Using a Satellite Constellation. As a result, 10 opinions were submitted. The MIC will make the submitted opinions and the MIC’s position on them 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 matters under the Radio Act (Act No. 131 of 1950) set forth in the Draft Ministerial Ordinance. The MIC received a report stating that these matters are appropriate.
　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　Background

　The 700 MHz Band Non-Geostationary Satellite Communications Systems for Mobile Phones Using a Satellite Constellation is expected to be introduced and deployed because it can provide efficient coverage of areas lacking communications infrastructure, such as remote islands, maritime areas, and mountainous regions, and is also anticipated to provide a means of communication during natural disasters and other emergencies.

　To implement institutional improvements for introduction of this system, the MIC drafted a ministerial ordinance to partially amend the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act and other related regulations, and solicited opinions from Saturday, July 11, 2026, to Monday, August 10, 2026.

2　Report from the Radio Regulatory Council

　Based on the results of the opinion solicitation, the MIC consulted the Radio Regulatory Council on consultation, chaired by SASASE Iwao, professor emeritus at Keio University, matters regarding the Radio Act included in the draft ministerial ordinance to partially amend the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act, etc. The MIC received a report stating that these matters are appropriate.

3　Upcoming schedule

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