wireless stations and authorization of broadcast operations.

## (2) Development of satellite broadcast policy

With execution of the June 2011 revised Broadcast Act, satellite broadcasts and 110 east longitude communication satellite broadcasts became “Major Satellite Broadcasts,” and 124/128 east longitude communications satellite broadcasts etc. became “General Satellite Broadcasts.” Also, on July 24, 2011, satellite analog broadcasts ended, and were completely shifted to digital broadcasts. Spectrum freed up by this shift was used to enable viewing 31 channels in broadcast satellite digital broadcasts as a whole, thus developing the environment to meet diverse needs of viewers. Moreover, regarding 110 east longitude communications satellite broadcast related Major Satellite Broadcasts, in February 2012, Major Satellite Broadcasting Business was authorized for 10 HDTV channels and 4 SDTV channels. Thus starting in summer 2012, new broadcasts are planned to start one after another, which it is hoped will help improve the video quality of satellite broadcasts.

### 3. Development of radio policy

## (1) Overview of radio policy

### a. Promotion of effective use of radio spectrum usage

In March 2012, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications developed the system for area broadcasts, created technology standards for communications type systems, etc. It is thus working to achieve services, and continues to promote the utilization of white space. Also, the “Study Group on Promotion of Effective Use of Radio Spectrum Usage” began in April 2012, is proceeding to investigate from a broad perspective, and plans to put together a report around December 2012.

### b. Introduction of a frequency auction system

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications began its “Panel Discussion concerning Frequency Auctions” in March 2011, and put together and published its report in December 2011. In response, the “Bill for Partial Revision of the Radio Act” was submitted to the 180th Ordinary Session of the Diet. This bill would enable introduction of a frequency auction system.

Specifically, regarding base stations used in telecommunications operations which use designated spectrum (cellular phone base stations), this establishes a system using bidding etc. (bid or auction) for authorization of bidding opening plans of the highest price bidder, from among parties which submit bidding opening plans appropriate for the bidding opening guidelines designated by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications.

### c. Effective use of frequency-freed after shift to terrestrial digital broadcast

There are initiatives for effective use of frequency. For example, with the shift from analog to digital terrestrial TV broadcasts, cellular phones were allocated to spectrum freed up by the end of terrestrial analog broadcasts and by the reallocation of digital broadcast channels.

## (2) Radio usage advancement and diversification initiatives

In the “allocation of cellular phone frequency in the 700/900MHz band,” for the 900MHz band, an opening guideline (allocation guideline) was created in December 2011. Four applications were received by January 2012, and as a result of screening done based on screening criteria established in the Radio Act and opening guidelines, Softbank Mobile’s opening plan was authorized in March 2012. Also, regarding the 700MHz band, opening guidelines were created in April 2012, and three applications were received by May 2012. As a result of screening done based on the screening criteria, the opening plans of eAccess, NTT DoCoMo and KDDI/Okinawa Cellular were authorized in June 2012.

There are also initiatives for “More advanced wideband mobile wireless access system,” “Introduction of Inmarsat GSPS models,” etc.

## (3) Development of a radio usage environment

Regarding 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 are becoming widely used, so regarding methods to measure the specific absorption rate of wireless devices used near the human body except for the head area, a partial reply was received from the Information and Communications Council in October 2011. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is currently proceeding to prepare more advanced safety criteria for such wireless devices.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is promoting standardization in Japan. For example, regarding electromagnetic damage countermeasures, the Ministry is surveying and studying in the “Radio Wave Utilization Environment Committee” established in the Information and Communications Council Technology Subcommittee. The Ministry is contributing to deliberations of international standards in CISPR, and in September 2011, based on international criteria established in CISPR, the Information and Communications Council provided partial replies regarding allowable values and measurement methods for damaging waves from home electronics, conductive tools and similar devices.

Regarding protection of the radio usage environment, in FY2012, in response to interference with important wireless communications by illegal personal wireless, initiatives were strengthened for wiping out illegal per-