Change is in the air
Number portability has boosted competition in mobile telecoms
THE law of unintended consequences certainly works in strange ways. Japan's mobile-phone industry is experiencing a bout of unprecedented competition—but not for the reasons most people expected. Something called “mobile number portability” was introduced in October, making Japan the last of the developed nations to let its citizens keep their mobile-phone numbers when they switch from one operator to another. As elsewhere, the aim was to encourage competition and reduce prices by giving users more choice.
This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Change is in the air”
From the January 20th 2007 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionDiscover more
Could seaweed replace plastic packaging?
Companies are experimenting with new ways to reduce plastic waste
Has Sequoia Capital outgrown its business model?
Venture capital’s hardiest perennial gets back to its roots
On stupid rules and quick wins
Why every boss can benefit from asking employees what most infuriates them
TikTok wants Western consumers to shop like the Chinese
It still has some convincing to do
Will the trouble ever end for Volkswagen and its rivals?
From strikes to Trump tariffs, calamities abound
After Northvolt’s failure, who will make Europe’s EV batteries?
The continent looks ever more reliant on Asian producers