1. Efforts towards compliance by telecommunications carriers

(1)

Measures have been promoted to share system modification checkpoints and in conducting simulation tests and troubleshooting know-how, while the commitment is being reinforced by setting up "Contact Meetings on the Y2K Issue in Telecommunications" (referred to here as "Contact Meeting") consisting of industrial groups from the telecommunications business and equipment manufacturers (October, 1998).

(2)

Based on the guidelines for implementing mutual interconnection testing that were drafted by the Sub Group on the Y2k problem that was established in the Telecommunications Carriers Association, mutual interconnection testing between carriers engaged in domestic communications have been conducted from June to September.
Telecommunications carriers that offer international communications services conducted joint simulation tests with major foreign telecommunications carriers..

2. Evaluation of Survey Results

(1)

By the end of September, simulation tests on critical telecommunications systems, including telephone and dedicated lines, were completed.

Rate of Progress of Simulation Tests for the Critical Telecommunications Systems (system-oriented)

(aggregated)

Types		March, 1999	End of June, 1999	End of Sept. 1999
Telephone and leased lines	Modifications Completed	91%	99.7%	100%
	Simulation Tests Completed	69%	99.7%	100%
Cellular Phones	Modifications Completed	80%	97.8%	100%
	Simulation Tests Completed	74%	97.8%	100%

Note: average is weighted by business scale

(2)

By the end of September, major carriers completed the development of their contingency plans.

3. Future Commitment

(1)

Improving contingency planning

To prepare for 2000, the MPT and telecommunications carriers expect to participate in drills organized chiefly by the Cabinet Secretariat to verify the effectiveness of their contingency planning, making further improvements based on the results.

(2)

Strengthening international measures

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Y2K Task Force Early Warning (EW) Subgroup is currently constructing database system of having ITU members jointly possess information by having carriers in each country register in the ITU's web-type database information on abnormalities originating from the Y2K problem, when they occur.

1. Measures to the Present

(1)

In March 1999, MPT, industry groups, NHK and others formed "Contact Meeting on Y2K issues in Broadcasting''. To the present, the Committee has met three times, requesting mutual information exchange and further reinforcement of measures.

(2)

After finalizing the results of a previous survey, the MPT conducted individual examinations of businesses that lag in Y2K compliancy measures and solicited immediate action. Follow-ups will be conducted on a regular basis to check on their progress.

(3)

Broadcasters are currently striving to actively take up the Y2K problem in broadcast programs and provide the public with information.

2. Evaluation of Survey Results

(1)

By the end of September, simulation tests on approximately 98% of critical control systems were completed. Remainings have such unavoidable reasons as scheduled equipment reformation. Tests are expected to be completed soon.

Rate of Progress of Simulation Tests in Critical Controlling Systems (system-oriented)

Time	End of September, 1999	End of October (expected)
Completion of Simulation Tests	98% Note	99%

Note:

Percent not finished by the end of September indicates facility reform and the like slated for October or thereafter.

(2)

By the end of September, major carriers completed the development of their crisis contingency plans.

3. Future Commitment

Due to promoting such additional actions as revising contingency plans, crisis management itself will be further promoted in remaining days for New Year rollover.

(1)

Early completion of simulation tests

Requests for simulation testing promptly after equipment reformations are to be made once again to individual businesses that have not completed simulation testing due to unavoidable reasons.

(2)

Revision of contingency planning

Requests are to be made to revise contingency plans and to take every precaution, in advance, during the year-end/New Year holiday season in accordance to the results of the drills organized by the Cabinet Secretariat.

(3)

Promotion of crisis management

Greater promotion of crisis management will be made through repeated requests to businesses for the development of a liaison system in case of an emergency.