## (2) Policies for Effective Radio Spectrum Use

The Radio Policy 2020 Panel pointed out key issues regarding institutional review of supervision of radio spectrum use, such as means for resolving problems in the current systems for introducing new wireless systems and ideal regulations on supervision of radio spectrum use. Based on collected opinions and the results of hearings, the Panel showed concrete directions for institutional review.

MIC submitted the Bill Partially Amending the Radio Act and the Telecommunications Business Act to the Diet in February 2017 and the Bill was enacted in April 2017. This amendment aims to allow required review of the radio usage fee system and the system concerning supervision of radio spectrum use.

### 2. Radio Usage Advancement and Diversification Initiatives

## (1) 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). Connected cars equipped with internet access are expected to be further developed and disseminated, and possible security risks due to their links to networks are cited as a new problem in a connected car society, where everybody can freely enjoy safe and convenient mobility services. MIC has held the Study Group Focusing on Realization of Connected Car Society since December 2016 to seek a new social image brought about by connected cars and measures to promote related initiatives.

### 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 therein the results of many years of studies on the safety of radio waves. As troubles over wireless applications are increasing in accordance with the expansion of radio use in medical institutions, the Task Force for Promoting Radio Use in Medial Institutions was set up under the Electromagnetic Compatibility Conference Japan to discuss how to secure proper radio usage environment in medical institutions. Based on discussions at this Task Force, the Guidelines for Safe Radio Use in Medial Institutions and the report were publicized in April 2016.

## (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,

## (2) 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 a 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.

established under the Information and Communications Technology Subcommittee at the Information and Communications Council, surveys and studies measures to counter electromagnetic interference and contributes to debates on international standards at CISPR (Comité International Spécial des Perturbations Radioélectriques). Receiving a report from the Information and Communications Council, MIC has promoted related standardization in Japan and made efforts to eliminate and prevent interference by unnecessary radio waves to wireless facilities and electrical and electronic devices.

## (3) Preventing Radio Interference and Obstruction

MIC has been implementing radio equipment trial purchase tests since FY2013 with the aim of preventing ordinary consumers from violating the Radio Act (illegally establishing a radio station) by purchasing and using radio equipment that is not compliant with technical standards and preventing the equipment from interfering or otherwise obstructing other radio stations. For the tests, MIC purchases radio equipment from the market sold as equipment emitting very low power radio waves, and measures the actual strength of emissions to see whether they are in conformity with the technical standards stipulated in the Radio Act. MIC publishes the test findings as consumer protection information.