Communications" (the second guidelines) in July 1997, as concrete guidelines for promoting construction of local information networks.
The second guidelines are based on research conducted by academics. The full text of the second guidelines is as follows:
(1) Future direction of local information networks
Today's information technology shortens the time and distance needed to acquire information by using multimedia such as digital information networks and interactive network systems.
In Japan, multimedia technology is making inroads into our daily lives.
Take, for example, the rapid spread of the internet, multichannel satellite broadcasting, and the fall in the price of high-tech personal computers.
In addition, globalization of networks is accelerating the creation of a borderless world.
In these circumstances, local governments should keep the following points in mind.
1) Global networks and information technology will make it easy for local public organizations and citizens to participate in the network as information transmitters.
2) As new information technology makes the service area greater local governments can promote information network policies in a wider area.
3) Handicapped people and senior citizens can take part in social activities through the high-level information structure. Everyone should be given the opportunity to benefit from the convenience of the system even it they have little knowledge or little opportunity to use it.
4) The information infrastructure should be promoted to reduce differences between areas. New technology should be introduced into society.
(2) Information networks in daily life
It goes without saying that local governments should establish an information network system that takes into consideration local characteristics and conforms to the needs of the citizens in order to
