## Section 4 Development of affluent and vital ubiquitous network society

### 1. Elimination of geographic digital divide and promotion of information system to local communities

In the New Reform Strategy, the government of Japan listed the promotion of optic fibers, etc., in its efforts toward elimination of zero-broadband regions by 2010 as one of its targets. In line with government policy, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) formulated the "Next Generation Broadband Strategy 2010" in August 2006.

Furthermore, in order to discuss specific measures for the elimination of zero-broadband regions, poor radio reception zones for mobile phones and digital divide, the MIC has held meetings of the Strategic Meeting on Bridging Digital Divide since October 2007. The MIC has also held meetings of the Study Group on Establishing Usage Environment for Next-Generation Broadband Technology since November 2006 with the aim of discussing measures for establishing the usage environment for the technological aspects that would facilitate penetration of next-generation broadband technologies toward elimination of zero-broadband regions. The Study Group released its report in June 2007. Based on the recommendations of the Study Group, the MIC will continue to deliberate on the measures for establishing the usage environment for broadband technology.

#### 2. Regional development, etc. utilizing the information and communications infrastructure

Since correction of the regional divide is an urgent issue, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is committed to the development of a support system for creating a model for success, by means of (1) dispatch of regional informatization advisors, and (2) taking measures, such as the launch of a regional informatization caravan, etc., in the areas which are making active efforts for regional revitalization through ICT, with a view to revitalizing the regional socio-economy through the creation of a ubiquitous network society in the regions. At the same time, the MIC will boost the local economy and society that would make use of the structural reform capacity of ICT by disseminating its knowledge, experience and know-how throughout the country.

Furthermore, the MIC has been promoting the dissemination of a “regional information platform”, the standard specification that stipulates rules to be followed by individual systems, so that information systems of municipalities, etc. can be mutually connected and coordinated. The MIC then developed technologies that would enable coordination between systems for municipalities, etc., and formulated standard specifications, etc. In the future, in order to put systems in place at the earliest possible time, which are in line with the standard specifications, the MIC will conduct demonstration tests in the house-moving field and will extract various operational issues and present solutions for such issues.

### 3. Promotion of barrier free information

Currently, various services are widely offered through information and communication devices or websites, and therefore, it is important for the elderly and disabled persons to be able to use these devices and services easily, or, in other words, to ensure accessibility. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is promoting the active use of the "Operational Models for Governments' Websites for Everyone" that offer specific operational models for maintaining and improving web accessibility, enabling all people to use public websites. Also, with respect to telecommunications accessibility, the ITU-T approved the Telecommunications Accessibility Guidelines, which had been discussed at the instigation of Japan, as an ITU Recommendation in January 2007. In response, the MIC has been making efforts toward the dissemination and penetration of the said guidelines.

Furthermore, the MCI formulated the “Guidelines for Broadcasting Administration for the Visually and Auditory Impaired Persons” in October 2007 for the promotion of close-captioned broadcasting, sign language broadcasting, and narration broadcasting, in view of progress in digital broadcasting technologies and services in the future.

### 4. Promotion of informatization of administrative services

## (1) Realization of e-Government

The government has thus far been promoting