Japan to introduce new '060' mobile prefix as demand for multiple phones grows
TOKYO -- Japan plans to introduce cellphone numbers beginning with "060," adding to the existing "090," "080" and "070" ranges. Although the country a
Japan plans to introduce new cellphone numbers beginning with 060, adding to the existing 090, 080, and 070 prefixes. Although Japan currently has over 270 million available numbers, authorities warn the supply could eventually run short. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications predicts the new 060 prefix will provide an additional 90 million numbers, increasing the total numbering capacity to 360 million.
Demand for multiple phones is growing due to the prevalence of company-issued phones, the rise of remote work and security concerns, and the increasing use of phones for a variety of purposes beyond communication. The new numbers will be rolled out phased beginning in July 2026, but the launch date has been postponed due to longer-than-expected system upgrades.
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