The Japanese communications ministry on Tuesday authorized Japanese public broadcaster NHK to start simultaneous online streaming of its television programs from April.

Those contracted with NHK will be able to watch online programs on their smartphones and other digital devices without any additional fees. Under a Japanese law, people who install a TV receiver are obliged to sign a subscription contract with NHK.

Communications minister Sanae Takaichi has initially put the authorization of NHK's proposal on hold, calling into question the ballooning costs and NHK's delayed management reforms.

In December, NHK submitted a revised proposal to the ministry with reduced costs and scale, and outlined policies to put into effect management reforms in its business plan for fiscal 2020.

Although NHK will not initially have online programs 24 hours a day, it is aiming to provide "non-stop" streaming in the future.