It’s only natural that this digital era would change a lot of traditional concepts. Here’s a new angle in mobile phone numbers.
Naturally, mobile phone numbers have to be distinct. But when we acquire a SIM card, we really just pay for the card, irrespective of the number, right? But when I went to LB (Los Baños) Square one time, I noticed an advertisement for the sale of SIM cards with distinct and easy to recall mobile phone number combinations posted at the pay restroom. They were selling from P500-P2,000! The more repetitive the number combo, the better!
A blockmate-good friend also told me that there is a somewhat similar practice in China—that, because 8 is a lucky number, mobile phone numbers with a lot of 8s are sold for big bucks!
Personally, I don’t get it. Is it because such simple number combos are easier to memorize? What bragging rights does a unique mobile phone number combination have? I understand why you’d want your car’s plate number to spell your name or have your favorite number—it’s a prized possession and an extension of one’s identity. I guess the same argument can be made for the mobile phone, but I personally don’t get it.
Here’s what I can understand. When Paris Hilton switched to a new number (maybe because her blackberry was stolen or got lost, and her old mobile phone number along with it), her old mobile phone number was allocated to a new consumer. Some of Ms. Hilton’s friends who apparently didn’t realize the change in cell numbers still texted and called the old number, so this new consumer kept on getting invites to the biggest and latest parties! The new consumer says she didn’t mind. But given Ms. Hilton’s premiere status, I would understand why she’d be willing to pay big bucks to keep her old number from being recycled and allocated to another consumer. And for the big fans of celebs, I would understand why they would be willing to pay bigger bucks for their favorite star’s old mobile phone number. Here’s where property rights in mobile phone numbers are easier for me to comprehend.
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Aside from numerology, which the Chinese practice, I think the main selling point of these numbers is their recall. Cell numbers with repetitive numbers are easier to remember than an 11-digit cell number with all 9 digits jumbled up. What's really strange to me is that using the Alphabet-subsitutes aren't very popular for cel users. They can be pretty catchy too.
Besides that, wouldn't it be just cool to answer a "what's your cel number?" question with 0917-111-POGI.
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