Advanced universal service in Japan

This paper provides an overview of universal service in Japan, especially in regard to multimedia. Recently, the MPT has commissioned studies on the universal service and the main findings are briefly discussed, In particular, the definition of the universal service obligation in a multimedia age is critical. It is argued that the role of government will become increasingly important, regardless of a possible divestiture and changes in industry structure. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.