Currently Chinese mobile phones have eleven digits, including a three-number prefix ranging from 130-139. However this will all change soon to prepare for new 3G phones.

The 130-139 prefixes are no longer able to meet the increasing needs of mobile communications and so China will soon use two other number prefixes: 150-159 and 180-189.

Local media say this move is to promote 3G development in the country. However there is still no exact date for when the new numbers will begin distribution.