Important Updates for 5G Equipment Certification Following the Revision of the Radio Act

On September 30, 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) in Japan implemented a revision to the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Radio Act (Ministerial Ordinance No. 89 of 2024). These changes bring important updates to the certification of specified radio equipment, especially concerning 5G technology.  

In this article, we break down the key updates you need to know for certifying radio equipment under the new regulations. Discover what these changes mean for you as a manufacturer. 

BandNew Guidelines for High Power User Equipment (HPUE) in 5G 

The recent revision increases the maximum antenna power allowed for 5G User Equipment (UE) operating in specific frequency ranges, commonly referred to as the "SUB6-HPUE bands." These bands include 3.4-4.0 GHz, 4.5-4.6 GHz, and 4.8-4.9 GHz. The updated regulations allow for a maximum antenna power of 800 milliwatts (29 dBm) within these ranges. 

Certification for 5G equipment in these bands can now specify certain centre frequencies—3950.01 MHz, 4550.01 MHz, 4849.86 MHz, 4849.98 MHz, and 4849.995 MHz—with a bandwidth of 100 MHz. To qualify, the specified frequencies must fall within the SUB6-HPUE band, with the antenna power set at 0.8W (29 dBm). 

Expanded Frequency Range for Maximum Power in the 1.9 GHz Band 

The recent regulatory changes have also relaxed the protection rules for the PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), thereby expanding the allowable frequency range for mobile communication systems such as LTE and 5G in the 1.9 GHz band. The new regulations increase the range of frequencies eligible for certification at the maximum antenna power (200 milliwatts). 

For equipment where the construction design remains unchanged, certification bodies may approve an overlap between the existing and newly expanded frequency ranges. If any construction changes occur, however, an application for recertification under the existing certification number is required. 

 Certification Rules for 5G UE in the 4.9 GHz Band 

With the revised Ordinance, the 4.9 GHz band (4.9-5.0 GHz) is now officially included in the 5G technical standards. According to the Supplementary Provisions of the revised Ministerial Ordinance, equipment certified to operate between 4.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz will automatically be deemed certified for the extended 4.5-5.0 GHz range, provided there are no changes in the equipment's construction design. 

However, it is important to note that equipment certified to operate in the newly recognized HPUE range (4.5-4.9 GHz) is not eligible for this automatic extension and must undergo recertification if the equipment design is modified to accommodate the 4.9-5.0 GHz band. 

For manufacturers, these updates necessitate a review of existing equipment to ensure compliance with the new regulations. By staying informed about these changes, you can better prepare for the implications on 5G equipment certification and continue providing clients with reliable, up-to-date services.

For more detailed information or specific inquiries about the revised certification requirements, please contact our certification experts at Kiwa.