Springer Telecommunications Policies of Japan: 1 (Advances in Information and Communication Research, 1)

This book provides a detailed description of Japan’s telecommunications policies. It discusses how Japan has addressed a variety of policy challenges ranging from traditional regulatory issues, such as the provision of a universal service, to the latest tasks, including the promotion of cutting-edge technologies. Japan is a global leader in information and communication technologies (ICT). In addition to technological advances, an impressive nationwide optical-fiber and advanced mobile network infrastructure has been developed, which has boosted the economy and benefited society. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has played an important role in ICT deployment. Japan has a unique ICT policy framework that does not separate regulation and promotion, unlike many other countries, which have an independent regulator. However, since relatively little information has been provided in English, it has been difficult to learn much about Japan’s policies. Written by specialists from MIC, industry and academia, this is the first collaborative work to provide a comprehensive discussion of Japan’s ICT policies, allowing readers to gain an understanding of the topic. From the Back Cover This book provides a detailed description of Japan’s telecommunications policies. It discusses how Japan has addressed a variety of policy challenges ranging from traditional regulatory issues, such as the provision of a universal service, to the latest tasks, including the promotion of cutting-edge technologies. Japan is a global leader in information and communication technologies (ICT). In addition to technological advances, an impressive nationwide optical-fiber and advanced mobile network infrastructure has been developed, which has boosted the economy and benefited society. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has played an important role in ICT deployment. Japan has a unique ICT policy framework that does not separate regulation and promotion, unlike many other countries, which have an independent regulator. However, since relatively little information has been provided in English, it has been difficult to learn much about Japan’s policies. Written by specialists from MIC, industry and academia, this is the first collaborative work to provide a comprehensive discussion of Japan’s ICT policies, allowing readers to gain an understanding of the topic. About the Author Dr. Hitoshi Mitomo is Professor of Telecommunications Economics and Policy at the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS), and currently Dean of GSAPS and Director of the Waseda Institute for Asia-Pacific Studies (WAPS) and Director of Digital Society (IDS), both at Waseda University, Japan. Professor Dr. Mitomo is the Immediate Past President, Japan Society of Info-Communication Research. He is a Vice Chair of International Telecommunications Society (ITS). Professor Mitomo’s research spans a wide range of socio-economic and regulatory issues related to ICT deployment and utilization. His current research focuses on the social and economic impacts of ICT. While serving as a member of the Telecommunications Council of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, he has been involved in various aspects of ICT policy development.