[Part 2] Info-communications Policy



Info-communications is expected to play a major role in solving the

problems that face Japan as it moves into the 21st century such issues

as an aging society, maintaining economic development, and clean-up of

the environment. Consequently, info-communications policy takes on a

heightened significance. This part of the report looks at current and

proposed policy developments in telecommunications, broadcasting,

postal services, and international coordination concerning

info-communications.







I. Info-communications Policy for the 21st Century



Building a New-generation Info-communications Infrastructure.

Looking toward the development of a new foundation for

info-communications for the multimedia society, in January 1994 the

MPT released its vision for info-communications policy, entitled

"Toward the Creation of a New Info-communications Industry."  In

related developments, the ministry's Telecommunications Technology

Council is mapping out a Program for the Establishment of

Info-communications Infrastructure (tentative name), and the ministry

is strongly promoting such multimedia projects as the Project for the

Promotion of Suburban and Lifestyle-related Information and

Communications Infrastructure and the Multimedia Pilot Model Project

(Pilot Model Project for New-Generation Communications Network).  



Regional Info-communications for Balanced National Development. 

The MPT is promoting such activities as the Project for Minimizing

Differentials in Telecommunications Benefits (using public

investment), the Teletopia Concept, the development of key regional

cities, facilities expansion projects under the Law to Utilize the

Abilities of Private Enterprises, and human resources training

projects. Through its Regional Info-communications Study Group, the

ministry is also investigating measures to develop new

info-communications capabilities in Japan's regions. 



 Space Communications Policy. 

	Through the PARTNERS Project and its investigation of a

Satellite Remote Communications System, the MPT is promoting more

international cooperation. In March 1994 the MPT's Study Group on

Reliability Enhancement for Space Communications Systems compiled a

report recommending policies for improving the reliability of space

communications systems. 



 Info-communications Policy That Focuses on the Consumer. 

	The MPT has developed policies that emphasize the consumer,

including the user monitoring system on telecommunications services, a

system in which consumers themselves monitor telecommunications

services and offer their viewpoints. Working to create a welfare

society, the ministry is currently promoting the research and

development of info-communications systems for the physically disabled

and the elderly. 



 Disaster Countermeasures. 

	To ensure the safety and reliability of info-communications,

the Provisional Measures Law for Telecommunications Infrastructure

Improvement was revised in August 1993 and a system for supporting the

Telecommunications Facilities Installation Projects for Reliability

Enhancement was established. The ministry is also researching the

development of an advanced disaster prevention multiple-address radio

communication system for urban areas and is promoting the construction

of the monitoring system of earth motion phenomena in the Tokyo

metropolitan area, to better monitor potential earthquake activity. 



Very Long Baseline Interferometry(VLBI) equipment at the Communications

Research Laboratory



 Creating an Environment-friendly Society. 

	The MPT is promoting a variety of activities that will be of

benefit to the environment, including environment-friendly postal

operations and the development of environmental-monitoring technology,

such as rainfall radar for use on tropical rainfall monitoring

missions. In February 1994 the ministry established the Study Group to

Consider Environmental Benefits on Info-communications, which is

investigating activities and policies relative to the use of

info-communications in improving the environment. 



 Clearing the Way for Advances in Telecommunications. 

	The MPT continues to encourage favorable conditions for the

development of the telecommunications industry, through such measures

as tax incentives, government investment and loan programs,

interest-free loans, and investments and loans by the Japan Key

Technology Center. 



 Trends in Overseas Info-communications Infrastructure Development.



	Recognizing the importance of info-communications

infrastructure in the 21st century, the nations of the world have

embarked on a number of significant projects. Visions for

infrastructure development include the NII Initiative (United States),

the TEN Program (European Union), and IT2000 (Singapore). Pilot

projects planned or under way include the HPCC program (United

States), the BERKOM Project (Germany), the Broadband ISDN Pilot

Project (Germany), the Brehat Project (France), and the RACE Projects

(European Union).