Tokyo Hospitals to Implement Mobile Phone Blocking Devices

Strategic Insights -

In a move to enhance patient care and prevent hospital staff from being disturbed by mobile phone signals, several hospitals in the Tokyo metropolitan area will begin using mobile phone blocking devices developed by Macros Japan Co. The devices, which emit radio waves on the same frequency as mobile phones, will be installed in four hospitals this month, marking the first time the technology has been implemented in medical institutions. Macros Japan aims to sell 2,000 devices to 500 medical institutions over the next three years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Macros Japan Co. has begun marketing mobile phone blocking devices for use in medical institutions, with four hospitals in the Tokyo metropolitan area set to adopt the equipment this month.
  • The devices emit radio waves on the same frequency as mobile phones, effectively blocking communication with base stations, and are effective over an area of around 25 meters in diameter.
  • The equipment is designed to prevent voice communication and e-mails from major mobile phone operators, including NTT DoCoMo Inc., KDDI Corp., Vodafone KK, and Willcom Inc.
  • Introducing such communication-blocking equipment requires permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and to date, about 130 large facilities have been granted permission, with 70 facilities actively using the technology.
  • The newly developed device allows for different areas within a hospital to have mobile phone restrictions, and will not interfere with the operation of medical equipment.
  • Each device will sell for 780,000 yen (US$6,576), and installation costs will come to 200,000 yen.
  • Macros Japan aims to sell 2,000 devices to 500 medical institutions over a three-year period.

Statistics:

  • 4 hospitals in the Tokyo metropolitan area will adopt the mobile phone blocking devices this month.
  • The devices are effective over an area of around 25 meters in diameter.
  • About 130 large facilities have permission to use the communication-blocking equipment, with 70 facilities actively using it.
  • The devices will prevent voice communication and e-mails from major mobile phone operators, including NTT DoCoMo Inc., KDDI Corp., Vodafone KK, and Willcom Inc.
  • The cost of each device will be 780,000 yen (US$6,576), with installation costs of 200,000 yen.
  • Macros Japan aims to sell 2,000 devices to 500 medical institutions over a three-year period.

Sources:

  • Japan today: "Macros Japan Co. introduces mobile phone blocking devices for medical institutions" (cited in the original text, no publication date provided)
  • Nikkei (publication date provided as 14-03 1401)