overseas visitors can now use their own mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices without issue during their stay in Japan.

### 2. Radio usage advancement and diversification initiatives

## (1) Advancements in mobile communications systems

MIC received recommendations from the Radio Policy Vision Panel, set up in FY 2014, on combined industry-academic-administration efforts to introduce fifth-generation (5G) mobile radio communications systems. In response, the 5G Mobile Promotion Forum (5GMF) was established in September 2014 to set the direction of 5G R&D and standardization and to promote 5G implementation. Four 5GMF study groups are now delving into the promotion of international collaborations, R&D and standardization, applications, and 5G network architecture. With the aim of commercializing 5G by 2020, MIC began in FY 2015 full-fledged R&D into technology in such areas as increasing data capacity, communications speeds, and effective use of radio frequencies.

## (2) Promoting Intelligent Transport Systems

To realize the safe and convenient movement of people and goods, MIC is pursuing initiatives to reduce traffic accidents and resolve traffic congestion with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

MIC established the Security Guidelines for Constructing Driving Assistance Systems Using the 700 MHz Band in July 2015. The Guidelines' purpose is to ensure the reliability of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-

### 3. Establishing radio usage environments

## (1) Promoting measures to counter bioelectromagnetic environmental issues

MIC promotes initiatives to establish environments where radio waves can be used safely and securely. With regard to the impact of radio waves on humans, MIC has set up radio protection guidelines and safety standards on the strength of radio waves in the Radio regulations. MIC has ensured these standards are equivalent to international guidelines and incorporated the results of many years of studies on the safety of radio waves. With regard to the impact of radio waves on medical devices, MIC conducts the Study Group on the Impact of Radio Waves on Medical Devices each year. Based on the study's findings, MIC reflects any necessary warnings into the Guidelines on the Use of Radio communications Equipment for Implanted Medical Devices.

## (2) Promoting measures to counter electromagnetic interference

With the growth in all kinds of electrical and electronic devices, it is increasingly important to take measures to protect wireless applications from unnecessary radio waves emitted by these electrical and electronic devices. The Radio Wave Utilization Environment Committee, established under the Information and Communications Technology Subcommittee at the Information and Communications Council, surveys and studies measures to road communications between wireless devices installed in vehicles and along roadways as these driving assistance systems are implemented. Driving assistance systems using the 700 MHz band can be used to prevent head-on collisions. Later in October 2015, Japan successfully implemented a car equipped with this system, a world first.

## (3) Advancements in disaster-management radio

Disaster administration wireless communications (Simultaneous Broadcast) are an important means of conveying information from disaster-management administration to evacuation sites, disaster-management bases, and homes. Digital formats that enable interactive communications and data communications are being introduced for these wireless systems to make it possible to address diverse information provision needs, such as collecting disaster information via images, exchanging information with evacuation sites, and notifying information from disaster-management administration via text displays. Digital formats are also being introduced for mobile disaster prevention unit, in addition to the previous analog format, that will make it possible to communicate data and images as well as voice.

counter electromagnetic interference and contributes to debates on international standards at CISPR (Comité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques).

The need for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems that rely on wireless technologies has been mounting in recent years with the move toward smart communities and a sustainable car culture that will address global energy issues. WPT systems will make it possible to quickly and easily recharge home electronic devices and electric vehicles. However, its implementation requires due consideration of the impact on society when WPT interferes with other wireless equipment and of ensuring the health and safety of people.

## (3) Ensuring the reliability of radio equipment

### a. Registered repair business system

With the rapid growth of smartphones, many third-party repair businesses other than the original manufacturer have appeared offering to repair smartphones and replace parts. The concern is it is unclear whether the performance of mobile phones repaired by third-party repair businesses remain in conformity with the technical standards established under the Radio Act.

Given this situation, MIC established a registered repair business system, under which repair businesses may register with the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, and put the relevant ministerial ordi