A variable dispersion compensating unit compensates an optical signal, and changes the compensation amount according to a control signal that has a given frequency. After demodulation of the compensated optical signal, error conditions of the signal are monitored and an error signal is output. A band pass filter filters the error signal for a component having a frequency equal to or less than the given frequency. Based on the component and on the control signal, a synchronous detecting circuit generates a compensation amount modification signal. The compensation amount modification signal is superposed on the control signal.