August 14, 2020 Appeal for Opinions on Draft of Frequency Assignment Plan

As a result of the deliberation results of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), partial amendments to the radio communications regulations stipulated in the Constitution and Convention of the ITU will come into effect. In response to this, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) drafted a frequency assignment plan.
Accordingly, MIC has decided to make an appeal for opinions on the draft from Saturday, August 15 through Friday, September 18, 2020.

1. Overview

From Monday, October 28 through Friday, November 22, 2019, the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was held in Geneva, Switzerland. Based on the deliberation results of the Conference, a partial revision to the radio communications regulations provided for in the Constitution and Convention of the ITU will come into force on January 1, 2021.
The frequency assignment plan that prescribes the allocation of frequencies in Japan needs to comply with the radio communications regulations. Therefore, a frequency assignment plan will be newly created, and the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act will be revised partially in line with the enforcement of the partial revision of the radio communications regulations. The current frequency assignment plan (Notice of MIC No. 471 of 2012) will be abolished.
The main deliberation results of WRC-19 relating to the appeal for opinions and the main changes in the frequency assignment plan based on the results are as follows:

1. Distribution of NAVDAT frequencies in 415-526.5 kHz band (related to Agenda item 1.8)

The 415-526.5 kHz band has been internationally distributed for NAVDAT use for the modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). In response to this, the domestic distribution of frequencies in the band will be changed.
As a result, the NAVDAT system, which will make it possible to receive data distribution in digital format, will be introduced to replace the conventional NAVTEX system, which was for text distribution only, and it is expected to contribute to further safe navigation.

2. Distribution of frequencies in 137-138 MHz and 148-149. 9 MHz bands to space operations of non-geostationary satellites for short-term missions (related to Agenda item 1.7)

The 137-138 MHz and 148-149.9 MHz bands have been distributed internationally for space operations for the remote tracking and control of non-geostationary satellites for short-term missions that have been increasing in recent years. In response to this, the domestic distribution of frequencies in the bands will be changed.

3. Distribution of frequencies for satellite use for VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) (related to Agenda item 1.9.2)

The international VHF frequencies allocated to maritime mobile services, as per Appendix 18 of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act, have been internationally distributed to the maritime mobile satellite services for use VDES satellites’ use. In response to this, domestic distribution in the frequency band will be changed.
As a result, the frequencies can be used for the satellite VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) with a wide coverage area, and it is expected to further contribute to safe navigation.

4. (Introduction of Iridium Satellite System as new GMDSS satellite system )

Following the international distribution of the 1621.35-1626.5 MHz band to the maritime mobile-satellite (space-to-earth) service primarily for the introduction of an Iridium satellite constellation as a new satellite system for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), the domestic distribution of frequencies in the band will be conducted.
At the same time, MIC will make institutional development, including the deletion of the expiration dates for frequency bands that have expired.

2. Subject of appeal for opinions

Draft of Frequency Assignment Plan

3. Period of submission

From Saturday, August 15, and no later than Friday, September 18, 2020 (Submission of opinions by mail must also arrive no later than the deadline date.)

4. Future plans

With consideration of the result of the appeal for opinions and a report from the Radio Regulatory Council in response to an inquiry to the Council, MIC will finalize a frequency assignment plan.

5. Method for obtaining references

Reference information will be posted on the public comment page of the e-Gov. (https://www.e-gov.go.jp ).