out Japan. The Taskforce compiled and publicized the "Road Map to Promote Regional IoT Implementation" and the "Primary Proposal for Achievement of Roadmap" in December 2016 and the revised the Roadmap and the Secondary Proposal in May 2017.

## (D) Project to Train Personnel Specialized in IoT Network Operation

Networks in the IoT/big data era are expected to involve rapid traffic fluctuations due to significantly increased connection of sensors and other equipment and diversification of circulating data. Therefore, networks need to be properly controlled through circumvention or capacity expansion of communication routes using SDN/NFV or other software technologies. Personnel specialized in operation and management of networks using these technologies are required. MIC has been conducting the “Project to Train Personnel Specialized in IoT Network Operation” since FY2017 and has developed and operated environmental infrastructure for training such personnel, while clarifying required skills and means for certification thereof.

### B. Development of Environment for Open Data Distribution

Since FY2012, MIC has carried out demonstration tests for open data utilization in various sectors, including public transportation systems, GIS, and public facilities, has established a common AIP for cooperation in information distribution, and has prepared and revised guidelines for the disclosure and utilization of open data (standardization for open data). In FY2016, MIC conducted a demonstration test targeting people planning to visit Japan for providing detailed tourist information and assisting their personal planning of Japan tours by the use of open data disclosed by respective local governments.

### C. Promotion of AI Networking

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to spread broadly beyond space if connected to other AI and information systems via the internet, etc. and incorporated in a network (AI networking), with its benefits and risks both increasing drastically. In October 2016, MIC set up the “Conference toward AI Network Society” and has worked to prepare draft guidelines for AI development as a basis for international discussions. The Conference is also deliberating assessment of impacts (mainly positive impacts and benefits) and risks of AI networking on the society and economy, envisaging concrete AI utilization in diverse fields.

# Section 2 Developments in Telecommunications Policy

### 1. Promotion of Fair Competition

## (1) Promotion of Mobile Services

Mobile services for smartphones, etc. have played a significant role as an indispensable lifeline for people's everyday life, and it is necessary to ensure reasonable charges and services that are easy to understand for users to further disseminate them. For further reducing charges for smartphones, MIC amended the Regulations on Charges for Accessing Category II Designated Telecommunications Facilities (in February 2017) to ensure appropriate interconnection charges to be paid by MVNOs to major mobile carriers, and established the Guidelines on Mobile Service Conditions and Terminals (in January 2017) with the aim of shortening the period required for unlocking SIM codes and improving sales practices of smartphones.

## (2) Development of Ultra-high-speed Broadband Infrastructure

The development of ultra-high-speed broadband infrastructure is important and essential to revitalizing Japan’s regional communities. To promote infrastructure development, MIC launched the “ICT Infrastructure Development Promotion Project” in FY2016. The program will help to cover a portion of the costs when local governments in disadvantaged regions, such as underpopulated regions or remote islands, undertake the construction of optical fiber or other forms of ultra-high-speed broadband infrastructure.

## (3) Assurance of Adequateness, Fairness, and Transparency in the Provision of NTT East and West FTTH Access Services, etc

MIC reviewed the “Guideline on the Application of the Telecommunications Business Act Pertaining to NTT East and West FTTH Access Services and Other Wholesale Telecommunications Services” with respect to acts performed by carriers that provide wholesale services, carriers that receive wholesale services, and contracted agents that receive wholesale services. The review was based on rules to protect consumers providing for the accountability prior to concluding contracts and the obligation to deliver documents, etc., which were strengthened or newly introduced by the Act Partially Amending the Telecommunications Business Act enforced in May 2016. In July 2016, MIC started to receive notifications on the provision of wholesale telecommunications services from NTT East and West under the provisions of Article 38-2 of the Telecommunications Business Act, and compiled and publicized the information prepared on or obtained through those notifications under the provisions of Article 39-2 of the same Act.

## (4) Ideal Smooth Transition of the Fixed-line Telephone Network

The public switched telephone network (PSTN) of NTT East and West is the core communications infrastructure, which mediates communications between carriers, including those for IP phone and mobile phone services, and serves as the basis of competition for those carriers. Therefore, the future form of IP network