Frequency Open Policy in Japan

February 2004

Radio Department, Telecommunications Bureau

Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs,
Posts and Telecommunications
 Process of Spectrum Reform
Study on Effective Use of
Radio Policy Vision Radio Spectrum

Telecommunications Council Study Group on Effective Use of Spectrum Policy

Aug. '02 Consultation of Jan. '02 Start

Radio Policy Dec. '02 1st Report
Introduction of Compensation
Jun. '03 Public Comment Scheme
to Report
Sep. '03 2nd Report
Jul. '03 Report Introduction of
Registration

Dec. '03 3rd Report

Assignment of Spectrum refarming

Oct. '03 the Guidelines for Feb. '04 Draft Revised Radio Law
Spectrum Refarming published submitted to the Diet
 Radio Policy Vision (Report of the Telecommunications Council)

Basic roles of radio Mid- and long-term outlook of

Desirable radio policy
spectrum use radio spectrum use

Expectations for realization of a

wireless broadband environment I. dynamic review of radio
spectrum allocation

Realization of a ubiquitous network society through construction

It is expected that various radio spectrum
Realization of comfort uses have been drastically expanding in
such areas as the home, business,
and high quality of life medicine/welfare, security of Japanese II. Policies for frequency
nationals, so that the radio spectrum uses
contribute to realization of convenient/ refarming and radio spectrum
safe/secure daily lives and society. use

of wireless broadband environment

Expansion of radio-related market
sizes
Revitalization of III. Reform of Spectrum User Fee
industrial/economic
activities
Mid- and long-term
outlook of radio policy IV. Promotion of R&D

Formation of a safe Mid- to long-term goals (in 5 to 10

years) V. Facilitating smooth prevalence
and disaster-tolerant of radio equipment
society/country Contribution to realization of a
ubiquitous network society through
construction of the worlds most VI. Enhancing international
advanced wireless broadband strategy
Invigoration of local environment
economy Ensuring national security through
use of diversified networks VII. Building a safer and securer
environment for radio
Fostering internationally
competitive wireless ICT industry spectrum use
 Estimation of Market Sizes of Radio-related Industries

Industries Potentially Using Radio *

(Trillion Yen)
2013 distributors, education,
medical/nursing
92 Tri. Yen
100 care/welfare services, games,
etc.

80 37.8
2008 Industries Using Radio *
43 Tri. Yen Security service, Airline,
60
2000 Maritime, Railway and
19 Tri. Yen 9.7 25.8 Automobile transportation
40 services etc.
1.6 9.9
28.3 Core Radio-based Industries
20 23.4
17.5
Cellular Operators,
0 Broadcasters, Related
2000 2008 2013 manufacturers, Contents
creaters, mobile EC etc.

* Radio-related Amounts
 Dynamic Review of Frequency Allocation
It is necessary to dynamically review radio
spectrum allocation in order to facilitate the
introduction of radio systems required for the
worlds most advanced Wireless Broadband
Environment
(1)dynamic review of radio spectrum allocation in all frequency bands including
those assigned to the national government and public corporations.
(2)Encourage licensees to return redundant spectrum not being used efficiently.
(3)refarming of radio spectrum, which are used for radio systems actually
replaceable with fiber-optic cables etc., to other radio systems such as mobile
communications, for which radio spectrum use is indispensable.
(4)Rapid refarming of radio spectrum to new radio systems with higher demand.

Expansion of usage in the future *1 Concepts for addressing radio Measures to be taken for promotion
spectrum demands

Mobile Large increase in demands for radio spectrum Based upon results of survey on actual Examples of major candidates for additional frequency
Communicatio (based on forecast methods developed by ITU) radio spectrum usage including those bands for mobile communication systems
- 270 MHz bandwidth (current status) in the public sector,
n Systems - 800MHz band, 1.5 GHz band (currently in use for MCA)*2
(below 5-6GHz) - 330 340 MHz bandwidth (5 years later) (1) Create radio spectrum for new use, - 1.7 GHz band (currently in use for fixed communications)
through efficient use of radio spectrum
- 1,060 - 1,380 MHz bandwidth (10 years later)
and transition to fiber-optic cables - 4 GHz / 5 GHz bands (currently in use for fixed
(2) Rapid refarming of radio spectrum communications)

Wireless LAN Large increase in demands for radio spectrum (3) Shared-use with other radio Examples of major candidates for additional frequency
(mainly in (based on forecast methods developed by ITU) systems bands for Wireless LANs.
5GHz band) - 200 MHz bandwidth (current status) - 4.9-5.0 GHz band (currently in use for fixed
- Max. 480 MHz bandwidth (5 years later) communications)
- Max. 740 MHz bandwidth (10 years later) - 5.25-5.35 GHz band (currently in use for radars)
- 5.47-5.725 GHz band (currently in use for radars)

Terrestrial Smooth penetration and development of - Smooth implementation of measures - Frequency assignment for facilitating nationwide
Digital digitalization for conversions of current TV deployment of digital broadcasting
frequencies for digitalization. - The UHF band except those used for digital TV will be
Television
- Radio spectrum vacated by the used for mobile communications after 2012; the VHF
termination of conversion process band will be used for radio systems with high demand
(analog/digital simulcasting) will be after 2011.
used for mobile communications, etc.

RFID Advanced utilization of electronic tags will 135 kHz, 13.5 MHz, 2.4 GHz bands Consideration of available frequency bands, based on
(Electronic evolve in diversified fields such as physical are currently in use. concrete images of applications using RFID.
distribution.
Tag)
ITS, HEO *3, Development of these radio systems will Clarification of available frequency Implementation of domestic frequency assignment,
UWB progress. bands, necessary bandwidths, etc. considering international spectrum allocation and
based on considerations concerning international harmonization.
trends in R&D, sharing conditions.
*1 The figures of the bandwidths of Mobile Communication Systems and Wireless LAN are round numbers.
*2 MCA: Multi-Channel Access (a trunked radio system.)
*3 HEO : Highly Elliptical Orbit satellite system used for satellite communication, radiodetermination etc.
 Facilitation of rapid radio spectrum refarming

The amendment to the Radio Law in 2002 institutionalized the scheme for conducting
surveys and evaluation on actual radio spectrum usage and publicizing the results. The
survey conducted by MPHPT every year is to cover one of three sections of the radio
spectrum, such that in three-years time, the surveys will have covered all of the radio
spectrum.
MPHPT evaluates the extent of efficiency in radio spectrum usage based on the survey
results through seeking public comments, and publicizes the results.
The Radio Regulatory Council recommends that MPHPT formulate refarming plans, as
appropriate, taking into consideration such evaluations, in order to meet demands for
other radio systems such as mobile communication systems and wireless LANs.
Should refarming need to be completed in a short term, e.g. 3 years from the
formulation of a frequency refarming plan, incumbent licensees will be forced to
dismantle radio facilities that the licensees purchased and constructed in the past and to
purchase and construct alternative facilities.
The Council recommends that MPHPT conduct studies on establishment of a scheme to
compensate incumbent licensees for refarming costs such as a portion of the remaining
book value and the dismantling cost of the radio facilities, etc.
 Surveys and Evaluation on Actual Radio Spectrum Usage
All of the radio spectrum is divided
Survey Items into the following three sections.
Number of radio stations
Traffic
Surveys on Actual Radio Surveys are made every year on
one of the sections.
Years in use of radio facilities
Replaceability with other
Spectrum Usage Below 770MH
Above 770MH/below 3.4GH
means of telecommunications Above 3.4GH
such as fiber-optic cables
etc.

Evaluation of the extent

of efficiency in radio
spectrum usage on each
frequency band

Surveys on economic impacts on

licensees caused by modification of
Frequency Assignment Plan

Reflectio
n

Modification of Frequency Assignment Plan

 Transparency of radio spectrum use

In the introduction of auction systems into licensing procedures, there could be a risk that
the introduction hinders effective radio spectrum use, in such a way as the
delay/withdrawal of services due to extremely high bidding prices as seen in some
European countries. Accordingly, from the viewpoint of promoting effective radio spectrum
use by incorporating advantages of market principles, it is necessary to consider other
appropriate measures by which such kind of demerits can be avoided.
In the report of Radio Policy Vision, it recommends that MPHPT conduct studies on
introduction of a licensing system incorporating the following assessment items in the
process of comparative examination in addition to appropriateness of business plans:
- A portion within the amount of the frequency refarming costs to be shared by new
licensees.
- Expansion plans of service areas (i.e., facilities investment amount, etc.) etc.
It is also appropriate to ensure transparency and fairness in licensing procedures through
publication of figures concerning assessment items prior to the assessment.
 Outline of Draft Revised Radio Law

Target

Rapid frequency refarming

Facilitation of flexible
in order to accomodate
wireless broadband systems business promotion

Solution

Introduction of compensation Partial introduction of

scheme for rapid frequency a registration scheme
refarming with simplified process
 Compensation Scheme for Rapid Spectrum Refarming

Incumbent
New Spectrum Users Licensees
<A new entry is possible on vacated frequencies>
RLAN, etc. New entry <Station for fixed
Restaurant microwave links>
s
Internet

Base stations of Hotel

Telecommunications
Carriers

Withdrawal
- No alternative frequencies
Intelligent Home Appliances - Shorter transition period within 3 years
(10 years for the existing scheme)
Economic Costs to Incumbent Licensees
(Salvage Value, Removal Cost and so on)

Need for Compensation

Provision of
Compensation

Economic benefits
to new spectrum Collection of additional Spectrum User Fee
users from new spectrum users
 Enhancing flexibility of radio spectrum use

In the report of the Radio Policy Vision, it recommends that MPHPT:

Identify more spectra as Commons to allow unlimited numbers of

unlicensed wireless systems operated at low power to share
frequencies under certain conditions;

Introduce a regulatory scheme such as the registration of radio

stations, with simplified process, to allow unlimited numbers of
wireless systems such as base stations of wireless LAN systems
operated outdoors at relatively high power to share frequencies
under certain conditions in order to respond to such expanding
installation needs;
 Outline of Registration System
Current System
License System
No license required for Small Power or
Limited Bandwidth

Background:Technological
<Bandwidth Guaranteed Type>
Development, etc.
Shared Use Type
Broadcasting stations, Best Effort systems such
Cellular Phones, etc. Introduction (planned)
as High Power Out-door
Radio LAN

Ex-ante Checking Ex-post Checking

License System Registration System

High Power Higher Power than License-free systems

Exclusive Use Same operation rules applied
Coping with Interference, limited term permission, etc.

To Promote Multiple Use of Radio Spectrum

Realization of wireless broadband environment correspond to internet era

 Spectrum Expansion of the Commons

9600MHz bandwidth in 18 bandwidth is allocated to the Commons

for RLAN and cordless telephone, etc. (the world most levels)
(14kHz) (835kHz)
74.6 (1.1MHz) (335kHz) (1.1MHz) (8.2MHz) (4MHz)

322.4

381.3

430
440
13.56

76

253.9
255

322

380.2

413.7

469.5

806
810

MHz
(2MHz) (35.1MHz) (97MHz) (161MHz) (100MHz) (80MHz)
1216
1217
1252

2497

5000

5091
1253

1884.5

1919.6

2400

4900

5030

5150

5250

5770

5850

MHz
(30MHz) (200MHz) (900MHz) (7000MHz) (1000MHz)
10.51
10.54

24.05
24.25
24.77

25.23

27.02

27.46

59

66

76

77

GHz
Review of the Allocations to Mobile, Fixed, and Other Services
in the 5 GHz Band (WRC2003 Agenda Item 1.5)

2.4 GHz band 5 GHz band

97 MHz bandwidth 100 MHz bandwidth
2400 2497
Radio LAN
Radio LAN
(for indoor and
outdoor use) (for indoor use)
Industry, science, Satellite
and medical equipments
communications Radar
Radar, etc.
(e.g. microwave ovens)

2400 2500 5150 5250 5350 5725

[MHz] [MHz]
New allocations for Radio LAN on a worldwide basis
355 MHz bandwidth Under
Under Study in
Study in
97 MHz bandwidth 100 MHz bandwidth Telecommunications Council
Telecommunications Council
2400 2497
Radio LAN
Radio LAN Radio LAN Radio LAN
(for indoor and
outdoor use) (for indoor use) (for indoor use)* (for indoor and outdoor use)
Industry, science, Satellite
and medical equipment
communications Radar Radar, etc.
(e.g. microwave ovens)
2400 2500 5150 5250 5350 5470 5725 [MHz]
[MHz] * Limited outdoor applications are possible.

- The frequency band that can be used for outdoor applications has
Major frequency bands been greatly expanded.
being used now More users are able to use faster communications.
-Common frequency bands that can be used on a worldwide basis
have been expanded.
Users can benefit from improved convenience and less
expensive equipment.
 Promotion of establishment of experimental radio stations

Background & Assignment

<Background> (1) Serious tightness of frequency resources

(2) Developing of New System as well as effective use technology
industrial revitalization

Assignment Acceleration & Simplification of establishment of experimental radio stations

experimental radio stations: radio stations used exclusively for experimentation aimed at scientific or
technological development. (Valid term of licenses: 5 years)

View point of consideration

no interference to existing staions

Assumption to specify area and frequency in advance
short-term limitation (1 year in principle)of license period

Simplification of procedure, revitalization of activation experimentation

Ensuring of frequency for experimental stations & Simplification of licensing procedure

 Towards Realization of Ubiquitous Network Society
Wire Wireless
Telephone line Optical fiber
ADSL, CATV Wireless
Usable No. of line: 35 mil Usable No. of line: 16.8 mil Broadband
actual use: 11.6 mil actual use: 0.7 mil

Frequency Open Policy

guidelines for frequency refarming
12.26 mil Broadband users
expansion of frequency for Broadband
flexible use of radio spectrum environment

Broadband Convergence of Wire & Wireless

Advent of Ubiquitous Society

Creation of New Industry

Infrastructure & Users industry Creation of Applications

the worlds most advanced wireless Network

Rebirth of Economy Hopeful, affluent society Visible existence of Japan