As Japanese society becomes increasingly information-oriented with the increasingly widespread use of the Internet and mobile communications tools, the importance of info-communications in people's lives is greater than ever.
Under these circumstances, the "Y2K (year 2000) problem" has become the focus of concern. The Y2K problem is the potential treat posed to computer operations as a result of computers' failing to recognize the year 2000 when years are processed as 2-digit numbers. Therefore, finding an appropriate solution to this problem is crucial to assuring security and reliability in info-communications networks.
Not only telecommunications carriers offering services over their networks, but also companies utilizing info-communications network systems must work to solve this problem in order to maintain stable, secure system operations. As there is not much time until 2000, they should act promptly and appropriately.
MPT, for its part, has almost finalized the necessary adjustments to its postal networks for postal service, postal savings, postal life insurance, and has been widely addressing the issue with telecommunications carriers, broadcasters, and other related organizations. MPT is also actively contributing to the formulation of government measures against the Y2K problem.