and send images of disaster information.
However the advanced functions of satellite communications could be extremely limited if each organization introduces satellite communications separately.
So in 1989 implementation of this plan as a joint project of local governments all over the country was examined at a meeting to examine utilization of satellite communications by local authorities, in which the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, all the prefectures and designated cities participated. As a result, the prefectures, designated cities and organizations concerned reached agreement in principle, including concerning the financial burden. Preparations went ahead on the regional satellite communications network initiative in 1990 and the network came into operation in December 1991.
(1) Concept of the plan
1) Purpose
The regional satellite communications network initiative stems from the idea to introduce a satellite communications system for prefectural radio communications for disaster prevention, thereby reinforcing the function of radio communication for disaster prevention, and making it possible to solve the problem of lack of circuits, speed up transmission, and introduce the transmission of images. To maximize the functions of nationwide networks that exceed prefectural boundaries, an important goal of this plan is to efficiently utilize the network as a means of transmitting information on local industries, sightseeing, products, art, festivals, etc., directly from each region to the rest of the country as well as utilizing the network for general administrative purposes such as telephone and facsimile communications, and video conferences.
2) Merits of joint project
The reason that this plan is a complex communications network plan with the three purposes mentioned above is because it is carried out as a joint project by local governments all over the country. Compared with the situation where each local authority introduces its own separate network,
a. the cost of both installing and running it are lower, and it is easier to take the necessary financial measures
