Proposals for realization of a free, fair and transparent information and telecommunications market
--Aiming for structural reform and economic rejuvenation--

Conclusion

The foregoing has been a discussion of the outlook of the desired shape of the information communication market and the state of the systematic framework needed to realize this, from the viewpoint of the user. What is important is to respond to changes in user needs brought about by changes in people's lifestyles and values and by technological innovation that is progressing rapidly, and to make it possible for the country's citizens to receive in a timely and appropriate manner the benefits of using information communication technology. To this end, it is necessary to make it so that businesses can respond to user needs freely on the basis of the principle of self-responsibility of the individual, in the midst of free and fair competition, and further easing of regulations and preparing of rules that promote competition must be undertaken. It is important that in the future even NTT, which at present is a special corporation, be given greater management freedom in response to progress in competition.

At the same time, it is necessary that advanced information communication network development take place and demand relating to information communication be further spurred. As Keidanren proposed in detail in the "Proposal on Promotion of Information Development" published in July of last year, the government, in aiming for a high degree of usage of information communication technology, should

(1) prepare an environment for information development in industry

(reevaluation of systems that do not assume use of networks and information development, preparation of an environment relating to electronic commerce, preparation of a foundation for expanding content, expansion of the depreciation system, etc.),

(2) promote information development in the public sector

(expand electronic applications and reports and make administrative processes electronic; make annual expenditures and annual revenue office work electronic; create databases of government information; promote government EDI; make administrative services electronic; promote information development in education, research, medicine, welfare, traffic and disaster prevention; promote regional informatization, etc.)

and
(3) promote improvement in information literacy and computer literacy.

Above all, informatization of the public sector will have a larger market impact than conventional public works, and it is necessary to promote this strongly even in business policy.

Information communication is expected to be a leading field guiding Japan into the 21st century, and information communication policy government administration is similarly sought to lead government administration in other sectors.