Regulatory Compliance News

Japan Proposes Amendments to Radio Act Regulations for Non-Geostationary Ka-Band Satellite Systems

Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has released an Outline of a Proposed Amendment to the Ministerial Ordinance introducing a new regulatory framework for non-geostationary satellite communication systems operating in the Ka-band at an orbital altitude of approximately 600 km.

The proposed amendments aim to support the deployment of next-generation satellite networks designed to deliver high-speed broadband services, mobile network backhaul, and resilient communications during emergencies such as natural disasters.

Regulations and notices affected by the proposal include:

• • Ordinance for Enforcement of the Radio Act (partial amendment)
• • Regulation for Operating Radio Stations (partial amendment)
• • Regulation for Radio Equipment (partial amendment)
• • Ordinance on Technical Regulations Conformity Certification of Specified Radio Equipment (partial amendment)
• • Public Notice of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (newly established)

Key elements of the proposed amendments:

• • Designation of specified radio stations associated with non-geostationary Ka-band satellite systems.
• • Introduction of operational rules governing satellite-related radio stations.
• • Establishment of technical standards for radio equipment used in these satellite systems.
• • Definition of conformity certification requirements for specified Ka-band satellite radio equipment.
• • Publication of a MIC public notice consolidating and clarifying implementation details.

Proposed entry into force: March 2026. Stakeholders involved in satellite communications, ground equipment manufacturing, and certification activities should closely monitor this development and begin preparing for compliance with the new regulatory framework.