Tokyo, Japan – A total of 183 entities^*1, including telecommunications operators and local governments, submitted a joint statement to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) on January 7, 2025, in response to the public consultation on the Information and Communications Council’s draft final report, titled the Ideal State of Telecommunications Policy in Response to Changes in the Market Environment. The report is currently under discussion as part of the ongoing review of the Act on Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, etc. (the "NTT Law").

Joint Statement
MIC's Information and Communications Council has been deliberating on the Ideal State of Telecommunications Policy in Response to Changes in the Market Environment. A draft final report has been compiled based on the findings of three working groups focused on fair competition, universal service and economic security.

The draft final report underscores the critical importance of the infrastructure owned by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), which cannot be replicated by other telecommunications operators, including utility poles, conduits, tunnels, buildings, real estate and telecommunications facilities installed on this infrastructure, such as optical fiber – collectively referred to as "special assets." The report also reaffirms the significant public role that NTT is expected to fulfill.

The 183 entities support the directions outlined in the draft final report, including:

• Expanding NTT's universal service obligations (e.g., expanding broadband access)
• Maintaining and enhancing structural regulations to ensure fair competition
• Protecting special assets for economic security
• Maintaining restrictions on foreign investment

Additionally, the entities agree with the view stated in the draft final report, that "if the regulations stipulated in the NTT Law remain necessary in the future, they should continue to be stipulated under the same NTT Law, as this approach is natural, ensures continuity and stability, and maintains the current legal framework governing NTT." The entities believe that maintaining and strengthening the existing framework is essential.

Telecommunications play a crucial role in improving people's daily lives, revitalizing the economy, strengthening international competitiveness, preserving economic security and ensuring safety during times of disaster. To achieve the Government of Japan’s goal of solving regional social issues through digital transformation, we believe that the principled development of telecommunications infrastructure and a fair, competitive environment for all businesses are more essential than ever.

For these reasons, the 183 entities, including telecommunications operators and local governments, call for the establishment of a fair, competitive environment with NTT to foster innovation and support regional revitalization through competition among diverse industry players. The entities urge the government to preserve and protect NTT’s special assets – built with public funds during the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation era – to support regional communities and safeguard communication infrastructure vital to Japan’s national security. The entities call for a review and strengthening of the NTT Law to meet the requirements of the modern era, under the premise that the Telecommunications Business Act and the NTT Law are the two pillars of Japan’s telecommunications system.

Notes
*1 This press release has been translated from the Japanese original for reference purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy between this translated document and the Japanese original, the original shall prevail. Please see the Japanese press release for a full list of signatories.

*Product names and service names published in this press release are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Trademarks such as TM and ® may be omitted when trademarks are listed in this press release.