VI. Technological Development and Standardization





A. Technological Development for the Next Generation



Multimedia info-communications technology for the future.

In May 1993 the Telecommunications Technology Council began investigating

the outlook for future multimedia info-communications technologies. As

of March 1994, the council was in the midst of discussing current

issues in multimedia info-communications, the current state of and

problems involved in standardization, and possibilities for multimedia

info-communications development.



Need to look into advanced image technology.

In August 1993 the MPT amended its Research and Development Guidelines for

Telecommunications Technology, adding the promotion of research and

development in the fields of advanced image technology as an issue

needing consideration.



High-speed info-communications testing facility.

MPT's Communications Research Laboratory is engaged in the research and

development of satellite- and land-based high capacity communications

technology to handle advances in the increasing capacities and

digitization of communications circuits. To this end, the MPT is

constructing the facilities at the Kansai Science City.



An artist's representation of the Communications and Broadcasting Engineering Test Satellite(COMETS)





Toward an ultra-high-speed communications network.

In order to undertake the research and development of network operations and

technology for ultra-high-speed communications networks, the MPT is

constructing network testing facilities and is researching integration

technology for computers used in such networks.



Broadband cable TV technology.

In light of the coming fusion

of telecommunications and broadcasting, the MPT is constructing

facilities to prevent radio interference in broadband cable TV systems

and is developing cable TV systems that employ optical transmission

technology, which will allow for multichannel, broadband applications.



Establishment of a research and development system for

telecommunications and broadcasting.

The MPT is investing in the

Telecommunications Advancement Organization of Japan for several areas

of research and development: technology using advanced image

communications, broadband digital radio communications systems, and

stereoscopic Hi-Vision program production technology.





B. The Increasing Significance of Standardization



Efforts toward standardization.  The MPT is involved in

international and domestic standardization activities to ensure smooth

communications among numerous but otherwise unspecified users.





Standardization in the Asia-Pacific region.  The MPT has been

establishing a technical cooperation system and held research

conferences as means of promoting standardization in the Asia-Pacific

region.