Japan Is Running out of Telephone Numbers

14-digit numbers are on the way.

Tech & Gadgets
8.5K 8 Comments

Japan may run out of its 11-digit phone numbers by 2022. The country is expected to issue 10-billion 14-digit numbers by 2021 in response, and the rapid increase of depleting phone numbers may be a result of citizens adopting IoT devices.

The move comes just in time, as Japan will begin to roll-out 5G next year, which is expected to cause more increase in 11-digit numbers. Two years ago, Japan released 80 million 11-digit “020” for IoT devices, and half of those have already been used. The same issue is poised to strike other countries as well, including the United States. However, social media apps like Twitter and Instagram will mitigate the U.S. from running out of numbers for the time being.

In other news, interns at Facebook, Amazon, and Google are getting paid more than the average American.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Is Honesty Out of Fashion?
Fashion 

Is Honesty Out of Fashion?

Nine magazine editors, independent journalists and social media creators weigh in on the current state of fashion criticism.

'Japan in/out Brazil' Chronicles a Half-Century of Mixed-Heritage Art
Art 

'Japan in/out Brazil' Chronicles a Half-Century of Mixed-Heritage Art

On view at Nara Roesler in New York.

McDonald's Japan Teases 'Dragon Ball' Collaboration
Food & Beverage

McDonald's Japan Teases 'Dragon Ball' Collaboration

With a cryptic promo featuring the iconic voice of Son Goku.


Enjoy a BEAMS-Made Big Mac at McDonald's Japan
Toys

Enjoy a BEAMS-Made Big Mac at McDonald's Japan

BEAMS Design serves up four limited-edition toys for the eatery’s 2025 lucky bags.

Prada's Cozy Knit Running Sneakers Get the Bumblebee Effect
Footwear

Prada's Cozy Knit Running Sneakers Get the Bumblebee Effect

A much sportier version than today’s chunky footwear styles.

Stray Rats Delivers Joker-Inspired New Balance 990v3 Collaboration
Footwear

Stray Rats Delivers Joker-Inspired New Balance 990v3 Collaboration

Taking cues from the ‘Batman’ villain’s preferred color palette.

Saint JHN Uses Music to Tell Stories
Music 

Saint JHN Uses Music to Tell Stories

He also talks about his fashion line and being raised in two countries.

Artist Will Kurtz Presents Life-Sized Sculptures of Rescue Dogs at NYC Exhibit
Art

Artist Will Kurtz Presents Life-Sized Sculptures of Rescue Dogs at NYC Exhibit

Inspired by the adoptable canines at the Humane Society of New York.

Sony and Microsoft Announce New Cloud Streaming Partnership
Entertainment

Sony and Microsoft Announce New Cloud Streaming Partnership

One step closer to native cross-play.


NOAH Refines Casual Prep for Summer 2019
Fashion

NOAH Refines Casual Prep for Summer 2019

An array of washed-out colors and heat-ready layers.

Gucci Faces Backlash After Cultural Appropriation Callouts on $800 USD Turban
Fashion

Gucci Faces Backlash After Cultural Appropriation Callouts on $800 USD Turban

The sold-out item is said to infringe on Sikhism.

A$AP Ferg & A$AP Rocky Channel DMX & The Tunnel in "Pups" Video
Music

A$AP Ferg & A$AP Rocky Channel DMX & The Tunnel in "Pups" Video

A high-octane party with puppies.

Nike Launches Sustainable Guideline for Fashion Brands and Consumers
Fashion

Nike Launches Sustainable Guideline for Fashion Brands and Consumers

Outlining ten core principles to address climate change.

Futura to Launch First-Ever Solo Exhibition in Southeast Asia
Art

Futura to Launch First-Ever Solo Exhibition in Southeast Asia

Alongside official re-launch details of Futura Laboratories.

More ▾