More than ten years have elapsed since the first info-communications revolution of 1985. The info-communications industry in each country including Japan is now entering a phase of major change such as rapid technological innovation, increased use of multimedia, globalization and a greater sophistication of user and national needs.

It is widely recognized that info-communications provides an economic stimulus, it has a significant influence on the creation of jobs, increases corporate competitiveness, and raises living standards. Now a common awareness of the strategic importance of info-communications is emerging internationally.

It was with this awareness that the Telecommunications Council established the "Special Subcommittee on the Status of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT)." This subcommittee has heard a broad range of views from experts in different fields, and has deliberated for nearby a year on the "Status of Nppon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. - towards the creation of dynamism in the info-communications industry-." This report suggests the kind of specific policies that should be put in place to promote the interests of both the users and the nation and stimulate the info-communications industry. We do hope that the government will use this report in promoting future policies, and that NTT and KDD will positively respond to the proposals to meet the expectations of the users.