The following is excerpted from an interview with new Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Ryota Takeda.
Comparing the nation's mobile phone subscription fees with those in other countries, the costs of so-called large-capacity plans [for users handling large volumes of data] in Japan are exceptionally higher. A large number of members of the public have voiced that this situation should be corrected.
An oligopoly exists with three major carriers, and I want to take actions to improve the circumstances so that enthusiastic newcomers can enter the market with all fees set at reasonable levels through appropriate competition. I will also tackle the problem of complicated fee plans, and achieve our goal with a comprehensive approach.
Regarding incidents in which money in people's bank accounts was illegally withdrawn by abusing the Docomo koza scheme, which is NTT Docomo Inc.'s electronic payment settlement service, these fraudulent acts have occurred in a field that requires the highest level of trustworthiness. It is regrettable.
While we are aiming for a new normal in lifestyles amid the ongoing novel coronavirus crisis, it is important to facilitate circumstances in which members of the public can utilize information and communication technologies (ICT) with a sense of security.
By encouraging enhancements of certification proceedings and other means, I want to make efforts for strengthening security measures.
The novel coronavirus outbreak has made us recognize again the importance of digitization in provincial regions. To integrate digital operations of the government and local entities, I want to continue the standardization of systems for records of residents and tax-related affairs.
I shall compile a plan to promote the digital transformation of local governments by the end of this year. The plan will include the central government's measures to encourage local entities' digitization. I want to accelerate local governments' efforts, such as by making administrative procedures available online.
Delays in digitization efforts have hindered Japan's economic growth. I shall engage in efforts to make the whole of the society more ICT-oriented so that the central government, local governments and companies can enjoy convenience of it.
In policy measures related to digitization, I want to proceed in cooperation with the minister for digital transformation.
NHK's fee system is an issue that we need to examine. There is a question over whether the fee system has convinced viewers to pay, and there are voices pointing out that the number of NHK channels are too many.
Based on debates of an expert panel of the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, I shall swiftly take proper action. I expect that NHK's budget for internet-related projects will be truly self-limiting.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
