Japan is considering introducing a system in which internet users will be charged a small monthly fee that will be used to maintain fiber infrastructure for 5G networks across the country, The Japan Times reported, citing informed sources.

Under the communication ministry's plan, mobile carriers and other companies providing internet services via fiber-optic lines must collect a small monthly fee from its users. The collected funds will be used to provide subsidies to businesses managing fiber-optic lines in unprofitable locations, such as mountainous areas and remote islands.

The ministry will reportedly form a panel of experts to discuss the matter in spring, with a goal to launch the system in the middle of the year.