{
  "id": 4065174,
  "title": "Japan to introduce new '060' mobile prefix as demand for multiple phones grows",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/japan-to-introduce-new-060-mobile-prefix-as-demand-for-multiple",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-29T00:00:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260827/p2a/00m/0bu/015000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "TOKYO -- Japan plans to introduce cellphone numbers beginning with \"060,\" adding to the existing \"090,\" \"080\" and \"070\" ranges. Although the country a",
  "key_points": [
    "Japan will introduce new 060 mobile prefix.",
    "Existing prefixes include 090, 080, and 070.",
    "Launch delayed until July 2026 due to system upgrades."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}