Japan: Telecommunications Business Policy Subcommittee closes consultation on draft second report on basic telecommunications service system following introduction of the ultimate security obligation

On 24 February 2026, the Telecommunications Business Policy Subcommittee of the Information and Communications Council closes the consultation on the second report (draft) on the basic telecommunications service system following the introduction of the ultimate security obligation – subsidy system for universal telecommunications and broadband services from FY2025 onwards. The consultation follows the introduction of the security obligation under the Act partially amending the Telecommunications Business Act and the Act concerning Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, etc. (Act No. 46 of 2025), and is based on Inquiry No. 1242 of 4 July 2025. The draft outlines the framework for the subsidy system for universal telephone and broadband services from FY2025 onwards, including the scope of basic telecommunications services, methods for calculating subsidies, and the institutional arrangements for implementation.