June.

### (2) Radio usage advancement and diversification initiatives a. Study on the fourth generation mobile communications system

Against the backdrop of global dissemination of wireless broadband systems in the past several years, the use of smartphones and high-speed data communications is growing rapidly, and users have high expectations for early introduction of the fourth-generation mobile communications system (IMT-Advanced), which provides faster and higher-capacity communications and which is more convenient.

Regarding the fourth-generation mobile communications system, the Action Plan for Realignment of Frequencies (2012 October revised version) called for a study on technical conditions that enable practical use of the 3.4GHz to 3.6 GHz band from FY2015, and a technical standard is scheduled to be developed by the end of FY2013.

### b. Advancement of wide band mobile wireless access system

Regarding the wideband mobile wireless access system (BWA), which enables wireless high-speed Internet access, an extraordinary survey was conducted on the usage of radio waves in order to promote a study on the allocation of frequencies in the 2.5GHz band, and the results of the survey and evaluation were published. In light of the results of evaluation, a guideline for the allocation of frequencies in the 2.5GHz band (allocation policy) was formulated in May 2013 in order to respond to a rapid increase in data communications traffic in recent years and promote the advancement of the BWA.

### c. Promotion of Intelligent Transport Systems

In order to realize safe and comfortable movement of people and goods, initiatives are ongoing to reduce traffic accidents and resolve traffic congestion through Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

Recently, some of the frequencies in the 700MHz band that were freed up by the digitalization of terrestrial TV broadcasting have been allocated to systems to support safe driving using inter-vehicle communication and road-to-vehicle communication, and technical standards have been developed, enabling nationwide use of such systems starting in April 2013. In addition, in December 2012, a technical standard for obstacle detection radar (79GHz high resolution radar), which can use the 79GHz band to detect small objects, including pedestrians, was developed, thereby enabling the use of the radar.

## (3) Development of a radio usage environment

### a. Promotion of bioelectromagnetic environmental policies

The progress of wireless technologies has brought more diverse wireless devices, and wireless devices used near the body other than the head area are becoming widely used, so deliberation was conducted by the Information and Communications Council with regard to methods to measure the specific absorption rate of wireless devices used near the human body except for the head area, and a partial report was received from the Council in October 2011.

The MIC is currently proceeding to prepare more advanced safety criteria for such wireless devices as an institutional framework.

In addition, an investigation of the effects of radio waves emitted from mobile phones and various other devices using radio waves on embedded medical devices was conducted, and the “Guidelines for Prevention of Effects on Implantable Medical Equipment Caused by Radio Waves from All Kinds of Machinery and Tools using Radio Waves” was formulated. The “Investigative Commission for Living Electromagnetic Environments” conducted a study on the review of that guideline. In January 2013, the guideline was revised so as to change the minimum allowable distance between a mobile phone and an embedded medical device from 22 centimeters to 15 centimeters.

### b. Electromagnetic damage countermeasures

Regarding electromagnetic damage countermeasures related to unnecessary radio waves, the MIC is conducting surveys and studies at the “Radio Wave Utilization Environment Committee” established in the Information and Communications Council Technology Subcommittee. The MIC is contributing to deliberations of international standards in CISPR (Comité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques), and in September 2011, based on international criteria established in CISPR, the Information and Communications Council provided partial reports regarding allowable values and measurement methods for damaging waves from home electronics, conductive tools and similar devices.

### c. Prevention of radio wave jamming and obstruction

Amid the expanding use of radio waves, it is an increasingly important task to maintain a favorable environment for radio wave usage by preventing radio wave jamming and obstruction. Therefore, in addition to monitoring radio waves and preventing radio wave jamming and obstruction, the MIC is strengthening efforts to deal with appliances that could cause jamming and obstruction.

### 4. Handling of disputes between businesses in the fields of information and communications

## (1) Mediation and arbitration by Telecommunications Dispute Settlement Commission

The Telecommunications Dispute Settlement Commission is a specialized organization for quickly and fairly handling the increasingly diverse cases of conflict in the telecom field. The Commission has three func-