Cell phone numbers that repeat the same digit several times or contain regular number sequences are being sold on the Internet for huge amounts of money, sometimes demanding prices of hundreds of millions of yen, industry sources and police said. The prices of the “good numbers” have soared ahead of the introduction in October of a system which will allow people to retain the same phone number even if they switch cell phone companies.

Police said information has surfaced that gangs are involved in the Internet sale of the numbers.Full article here.

Related posts:

1. Vodafone Blocks Disguised Numbers
2. Lucky climber gets caught on scrub in fall from cliff
3. Online News in Japan: Popular, but Not Profitable
4. Illegal Loan Victims Reach Record High
5. Vodaphone K.K. Fun with 3G Numbers

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!