Regulatory Notice

Operational Restrictions for Inmarsat IoT Type Services in Japan

1656 MHz
Upper Frequency Limit
50 km
JAXA Usuda Exclusion Zone
5
Protected Observatories

Key Operational Parameters

The use of Inmarsat IoT type portable mobile earth stations is subject to the following operational restrictions to ensure the protection of radio astronomy observations in Japan from harmful interference.
Frequency Limitation
1656 MHz Max
All satellite transmissions must operate within the frequency bands designated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, with a strict upper limit of 1656 MHz.
50km Exclusion Zone
JAXA Usuda
Terminal use is strictly prohibited within a 50 km radius of the JAXA Usuda Deep Space Center (36°07' 57"N, 138°21' 46"E).
General Caution Areas
While no fixed exclusion radius is set for the following locations, users are requested to refrain from satellite transmissions in their vicinity to the greatest extent possible:
NAOJ Mizusawa
39°08' 01"N, 141°07' 57"E
NICT Yamagawa
31°12' 15"N, 130°37' 00"E
Fukui UT Awara Space Center
36°15' 50"N, 136°14' 07"E
NAOJ Ishigakijima
24°24' 44"N, 124°10' 16"E

Geographic Reference Map

ALL SATELLITE TRANSMISSIONS: UPPER LIMIT 1656 MHz

Emergency Protocols

In the event of a large-scale disaster, communication restrictions within the interference areas may be lifted. This applies to:
Protocol for Public Safety and Large-Scale Disasters
Natural Disasters: Weather events requiring special warnings, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, or volcanic eruptions.
Public Safety Emergencies: Nuclear accidents, major civil unrest, or acts of terrorism.
Criteria:
Lifting of restrictions is based on official information from public agencies such as the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Individual Emergency and Life-Saving Exceptions
Operational restrictions may be waived during individual emergency situations where the radio station is expected to play a vital role in saving human lives. This includes:
Applicable Scenarios: Mountain rescues, fires, vehicle accidents, and aviation accidents.
Requirement: This waiver applies only if other means of communication are unavailable or significantly difficult to use.

Mandatory Post-Emergency Reporting

If a user operates a terminal within a restricted area under the emergency provisions, they are required to report the usage to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ).
1
Information Required
The exact date, time, and location of the transmission.
2
Submission
Reports must be sent to the NAOJ Spectrum Management Office:
Mailing Address
2-21-1 Osawa
Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
181-8588, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

Addressing common partner concerns regarding exclusion zones and transmission protocols.

Why are there restricted areas?

Satellite terminals (including capable smartphones) emit radio waves to transmit signals to geostationary satellites approximately 36,000 km above the Earth. Restrictions are in place to prevent potential harmful interference with radio astronomy observations in the 1.6 GHz band. Because these observatories listen for faint signals from space, the radio waves emitted by satellite terminals can disrupt their scientific work.

Which observatories are covered by this agreement?

The agreement covers five specific locations:

  • JAXA Usuda Deep Space Center (50 km radius)
  • NAOJ Mizusawa
  • NAOJ Ishigakijima
  • NICT Yamagawa
  • Fukui University of Technology Awara Space Center
Are these restrictions different depending on the carrier?

No. The operational agreement and the 1.6GHz band restrictions apply to all IoT-type portable mobile earth stations regardless of the specific communication service provider. The rules for coordination with the NAOJ remain consistent across the country.

What does it mean to "not be using" a satellite phone terminal?

The device must be powered off. When a terminal is powered on, it may automatically emit radio waves to sync with the satellite network, which can interfere with astronomical observations even if a connection is not actively being made.

If I submit a usage report, can I use my device within a restricted area?

No. Under standard conditions, transmissions within the restricted zone are prohibited. Post-use notification is only a mechanism for reporting emergency use after it has occurred; it does not grant prior permission for routine operations in protected areas.

Under what circumstances can the restrictions be lifted?

As a general rule, the terminal cannot be used within the 50 km separation distance of the JAXA Usuda Radio Space Observatory. Restrictions are waived in the following exceptional circumstances:

  • Large-scale Disasters: During phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, or eruptions that cause damage to residents.
  • Life-Saving Emergencies: Urgent situations like mountain distress, fires, or vehicle accidents where other communication is impossible.
  • Designated Training: During specific disaster prevention training periods.
I've read the website, but there are still some things I don't understand. Who can I contact?

Reach out to info@skylo.tech for further clarification.

Questions
About This Agreement?

Our team is available to help clarify any aspects of the operational restrictions or provide additional technical guidance.