In a data reading apparatus performing contactless data communications with IC tags, a multi channel setting section sets a plurality of frequencies to be used for data communication with an IC tag in advance; a multi channel interference detecting section detects radio interference from other data reader in each of the set plurality of frequencies, prior to occurrence of a data communication request with an IC tag; a carrier sense lapse time holding section holds a period of no interference based on an interference detection result from the multi channel interference detecting section; a time comparing section determines whether the carrier sense lapse time held by the carrier sense lapse time holding section is on or above a predetermined carrier sense time upon occurrence of the data communication request with the IC tag, and permits the data communication with the IC tag when the carrier sense lapse time is on or above the carrier sense time; a transmitting section transmits data to the IC tag; and hence wait time for interference detection may be reduced.