Japan to Tax All Unlicensed Wireless Devices?

Chicken Ranch writes "It's not just about wireless networking. This tax would apply to a range of devices from WLAN to RFID to Cordless Phones to Remote Control Cars. Basically, if it operates in an unlicensed band, the government wants a tribute. So would they still call it an 'unlicensed' band?"

Comments

Re:Money?

[Firethorn]

Yeah, the stated reason 'to control illegal broadcasts' doesn't cut it with me, as people doing illegal things tend to not worry about laws period. Not paying a tax would go right along illegally broadcasting.

No mention in the article if it'd be a one time fee when the equipment is purchased, or an annual fee like the cell phone tax or the british TV tax.

Even with the fee, it would take police resources of an epic proportions, armed with sophisticated equipment to track most illegal broadcasters down, defined as 'didn't pay their tax'. Tracking down people who violate broadcasting standards would be much easier.