Public Hearing on "Rights of Way"

August 17, 1998

   MOFA and other Ministries are currently undertaking a study on the rights of way in Japan. The new three-year program for the promotion of deregulation, decided by the cabinet on March 31, states that "a study on the framework of rights of way related to telecommunications carriers and cable television broadcasters will be conducted and its results will be compiled during calendar year 1998." In addition, in the First Joint Status Report on the U.S.-Japan Enhanced Initiative on Deregulation and Competition Policy, issued on May 15, it is stated that "completion of a study by the end of 1998 on current conditions in Japan governing access to poles, conduits, ducts and rights-of-ways, with a view to proposing measures to improve the ability of CATV companies and telecommunications carriers to obtain timely, non-discriminatory and transparent access to such resources."

N.B. Rights of way : A legal interest for telecommunications carriers and cable television operators to use or pass over or under another entity's property such as land and bottom of the water, in order to lay and maintain cable (electric wires and support equipment (poles etc.)) and aerial (antenna) as well as attachment to them such as a manhole, or the strip of the property thus used.

   The study meeting of the Ministries concerned is conducting hearings on rights of way. For application to express opinions on rights of way at the study meeting and for further information, please contact MOFA by August 28.

Contact:
Second North America Division, North American Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
TEL : (81-3)-3580-3311 (ext. 2472, 2475)

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