History and Evolution of Mobile Phone Numbers
Japan's mobile phone numbers have been expanded in stages as the number of users grew. Following the 1999 transition to 11 digits, three number bands are now in use: 090, 080, and 070. Understanding the differences and history of these bands clears up common questions about mobile phone numbers.
When mobile phones first became popular in Japan in the early 1990s, numbers were 10 digits. However, the rapid growth in subscribers led to a shortage, and on January 1, 1999, the transition to 11 digits was implemented. The 090 band was introduced at this time, establishing the foundation of the current numbering system. If you are unsure about choosing a mobile plan, recommended SIM cards are worth checking out.
Characteristics and Allocation Timeline of Each Band
090 Numbers - The Oldest Band
The 090 band has been allocated since the 1999 transition to 11 digits, making it the oldest mobile number band. It is common among long-time mobile phone users, and the image of "090 numbers belong to veteran users" is well established. However, with the spread of MNP (Number Portability), new subscribers with 090 numbers also exist.
The 090 band contains approximately 90 million numbers, allocated to the three major carriers (NTT Docomo, KDDI/au, SoftBank) as well as MVNO (budget SIM) operators. Over 90% of 090 numbers have already been allocated, making it increasingly difficult to obtain a new 090 number.
080 Numbers - Added in 2002
As 090 numbers were expected to run out, the 080 band was opened in March 2002. There is absolutely no functional difference from 090 - call quality and services are identical. This band is common among users who signed up for mobile phones in the 2000s.
The 080 band also holds approximately 90 million numbers. Allocation accelerated rapidly from the late 2000s through the early 2010s, coinciding with the smartphone explosion. Many new subscribers following the iPhone's Japan launch (2008) received 080 numbers.
070 Numbers - From PHS to Mobile Phones
The 070 band was originally reserved exclusively for PHS (Personal Handy-phone System). PHS launched in 1995 and was known for affordable call rates and high voice quality, but usage declined as mobile phones became more capable. In November 2013, the 070 band was opened to mobile phones as well, and it is now widely used as a standard mobile number.
At its peak in 1997, PHS had approximately 7 million subscribers, but numbers steadily declined afterward. Y!mobile (formerly Willcom) ended its PHS public service in March 2023, making the 070 band exclusively for mobile phones. Some users still carry over their PHS-era 070 numbers to mobile phones.
Are There Differences Between the Bands?
There are no differences in call quality, data speed, or available services between the bands. You can use the same mobile phone services regardless of which band your number belongs to. Some claim that "090 numbers are more trustworthy" or "070 numbers get more spam calls," but there is no technical basis for these beliefs.
Since the introduction of MNP, it is no longer possible to identify the carrier from the first three digits. A 090 number might be on a budget SIM, and an 080 number might be on a major carrier contract. The bands simply reflect when the number was allocated. Recommended smartphones can help you find the right plan.
Debunking Common Myths
- "090 numbers are trustworthy": No basis. Many fraud cases using 090 numbers have been reported
- "070 numbers are suspicious": No basis. 070 numbers are legitimate mobile numbers widely allocated to new subscribers since 2013
- "080 numbers are mostly budget SIMs": Partially true. The budget SIM boom overlapped with the 080 allocation period, so the proportion is slightly higher. However, many 080 numbers are also on major carrier contracts
- "You can tell the carrier from the first digits": Not possible since MNP was introduced. There is no correlation between the first three digits and the current carrier
Number Exhaustion and the 060 Band Outlook
Demand for mobile phone numbers is expected to continue growing. Beyond smartphones, IoT devices and wearables also require number allocations. The MIC is considering opening the 060 band, which could potentially become the fourth mobile number band.
Additionally, the spread of eSIM technology is increasing cases where a single device uses multiple numbers, making efficient number resource management ever more important. As a countermeasure against exhaustion, recycling of long-unused numbers (reallocation) is also being actively pursued.
060 Band Introduction Outlook
The MIC's Information and Communications Council continues to discuss allocating the 060 band to mobile phones. If opened, approximately 90 million new numbers would become available, resolving the near-term exhaustion concern. However, the timing depends on actual exhaustion conditions, so no specific start date has been set.
Separating IoT Numbers
To address the surge in IoT devices, the 020 band has been allocated exclusively for M2M (Machine to Machine) communications. This alleviates the problem of IoT devices consuming mobile phone numbers. The 020 band operates with 14 digits, providing a space of roughly 80 billion numbers to handle the explosive growth of IoT devices.
Mobile Phone Number Trivia
- Total numbers: Approximately 270 million numbers available across the 090, 080, and 070 bands
- Allocation rate: About 70% of all numbers already allocated (as of 2024)
- MNP usage: Approximately 6 million MNP transfers processed annually
- PHS end: PHS public service ended completely in March 2023, making 070 exclusively for mobile phones
- MVNO numbers: Budget SIM operators receive wholesale number allocations from major carriers and can assign numbers from any of the 090, 080, or 070 bands
- Number dormancy period: Canceled numbers typically go through a 90-day to 1-year dormancy period before being reallocated
Common Questions About Numbers
Can You Choose Your Number?
Some carriers offer a service where you can select from several candidate numbers when signing a new contract. However, specifying a particular number (such as one with a catchy pattern) is generally not possible. A few carriers offer a paid "number selection service" that lets you specify the last 4 digits.
Can Personal Information Be Found from a Number?
It is not possible to identify a person's name or address from a phone number alone through ordinary means. Carriers strictly manage subscriber information and will not disclose it to third parties without legal procedures (such as a court warrant). However, if a phone number is registered with social media or web services, there is a possibility of being identified through reverse lookups.