The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications plans to test broadcasting of terrestrial digital programs on the Internet using fiber-optic networks in the coming months, with the goal of officially introducing these kinds of broadcasts in 2006. These broadcasts are designed for areas in Japan where regular terrestrial broadcasting can not be seen due to a lack of network facilities or because airwaves are unable to reach households. As terrestrial digital broadcasting is expected to fully replace analog broadcasting by July 2011, a way needs to be found whereby people in these areas will still be able to watch television. Terrestrial digital broadcasting was first introduced in Japan at the end of 2003 in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.