Japan Introduces New 060 Mobile Number Prefix Amid Shortage of 070 Numbers

Japan is facing a mobile phone number shortage and is set to launch a new prefix, 060, as early as December. This move by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications aims to address the dwindling supply of mobile numbers, particularly the 070 prefix, which has only 5.3 million numbers left.

Currently, mobile numbers in Japan utilize the 090, 080, and 070 prefixes. The introduction of the 060 prefix marks the first significant change in over a decade, as all usable 090 and 080 numbers have already been assigned. The country reported 212 million mobile phone subscriptions as of March 2024, a substantial increase from 140 million a decade ago.

Japan’s mobile numbering system began in 1999 with the 090 prefix, which quickly became exhausted due to the popularity of flip phones, leading to the introduction of the 080 prefix in 2002. The rollout of 070 numbers followed in 2013, driven by the rise of smartphones. Notably, Japan has maintained more than one cellular subscription per person since 2011, according to World Bank data.

The new 060 prefix could accommodate up to 90 million additional numbers. Early reactions from consumers suggest a positive reception, with younger users generally indifferent to the change. The Ministry has established a council to gather public opinions until early November, after which a final decision will be made.

If approved, the new 060 numbers could be available to consumers by mid-December.