# Section 3

# Advancement of Information and Communications Network

## 1 Development and promotion of network infrastructures

## (1) Efforts for the diffusion of IPv6

Based on “the e-Japan Strategy” that states the transition to the IPv6, MIC has been making efforts for three years from fiscal 2003 to solve the issues associated with network construction and operations in order to facilitate smooth transition to the IPv6 and to ensure interoperability of various equipment and services. At the same time, it has conducted empirical tests to inspect the IPv6 application that is attractive to local governments, communities and homes.

“The IT New Reform Strategy” adopted in January 2006 by the IT Strategy Headquarters stipulates that efforts shall be made to transfer the systems to IPv6 in principle by fiscal 2008 in line with the renewal of information and communications equipment by each government agency toward the realization of the world’s most convenient and effective e-Government. It is expected that this will contribute to the international dissemination of the IPv6.

## (2) Study Group on Telecommunications Numbers in the IP Era

MIC had held “the Study Group on Telecommunications Numbers in the IP Era” since December 2004 to discuss measures for available telecommunications numbers that may be used up due to the changes in the business environment surrounding fixed phone services and required role of telecommunications numbers. The Study Group issued the first report in August 2005.

The Study Group is continuing deliberations on the following issues: availability of numbers for new services such as FMC (Fixed-Mobile Convergence) which converges fixed communications and mobile communications; the use of three-digit 1XY telecommunications numbers for administrative inquiries such as call centers; issues related to competition policies on the use of three-digit 1XY (116) numbers for the application for new services including broadband services; and forwarding calls to the Internet phones. The Study Group will compile the second report regarding these issues.

## (3) Promotion of development of the world’s most advanced broadband networks

Based on the u-Japan Policy in which the major objective is to lead the world as the most advanced ICT nation in 2010, the Final Report of “the Study Group on the Development of Nationwide-balanced Broadband Infrastructures” (released in July 2005) mentions an elimination of the digital divide and the development of the world’s most advanced broadband networks as the purposes of developing the next generation broadband environment. It also advocates “the Next Generation Broadband Strategy 2010” which includes necessary measures toward 2010.

Also in “the FY 2006 ICT Policy Principles,” the objective is set “to offer more than 90% household coverage rate for the Ultra-high-speed Interactive Broadband Networks (UIBN) with transfer rates for 30Mbps or higher, with a view to strengthening international competitiveness. The government then has been promoting the installation of optic fibers to eliminate zero-broadband regions by 2010 based on “the IT New Reform Strategy” (decision by the IT Strategy Headquarters, January 2006).

Based on these facts, MIC has extended the valid date of the Provisional Measures Law for Telecommunications Infrastructure Improvement (May 31, 2006) by five years to May 31, 2011, in order to continue to implement measures to promote the development of information and communications infrastructures.

## (4) Management of IP address and domain names

The IP address system in Japan is such that end users use the ones which are allocated to the Internet service providers by the Japan Network Information Center (JPNIC).

The domain name “.jp” is managed by the Japan Registry Services and can be acquired through registered operators such as the Internet service providers 811,000 “.jp” domain names were registered as of April 1, 2006. Of these, “.co.jp” for general companies were registered 288,000 names, “jp” which allows to use optional alphanumeric codes were registered 341,000 names, and “jp” which allows to be registered in Japanese characters (e.g. 総務省.jp) were registered 119,000.

## (5) Efforts toward the transition to IP-based networks

MIC consulted the Information and Communications Council on the technical requirements for telecommunications equipment in line with IP networks in October 2005. The Council is scheduled to compile a report in October 2006 through the deliberations.

Under the recognition of the importance of a flagship to promote industry-academia-government collaboration, “the Next Generation IP Network Promotion Forum”