Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced the establishment of a dedicated 700 number segment for number protection services, aimed at enhancing user privacy and reducing the risk of personal phone number exposure [3][4][9]. Group 1: Number Protection Service Overview - The 700 number segment will be used for temporary numbers, also known as "intermediate numbers" or "privacy numbers," which allow users to communicate without revealing their actual phone numbers [2][3]. - This service is particularly relevant in sectors such as express delivery, food delivery, and ride-hailing, where user privacy is a significant concern [3][5]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework and Implementation - The MIIT has outlined a three-month preparation period, a three-month transition period, and a two-year formal pilot period for the implementation of the number protection service [4][10]. - The transition phase will require existing services to migrate to the 700 number segment, ensuring all future communications under this service are clearly identifiable [4][10]. Group 3: Market Demand and Growth - The demand for intermediate numbers has surged due to the rapid growth of e-commerce and online services since around 2010, leading to increased exposure of personal phone numbers [5][6]. - In 2015, the daily usage of intermediate numbers in e-commerce and food delivery alone exceeded 10 million calls, indicating a significant market need [6]. Group 4: Challenges and Industry Concerns - The rapid expansion of the intermediate number market has led to various issues, including difficulties in identifying legitimate services and the proliferation of spam and fraudulent calls [6][7]. - The lack of standardized regulations has resulted in misuse of intermediate numbers, prompting calls for stricter oversight and standardization within the industry [7][8]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The introduction of the 700 number segment is seen as a step towards better regulation and transparency in the telecommunications industry, potentially reducing telecom fraud [9]. - The MIIT aims to ensure that the new system meets the growing demand for number protection services, which currently sees a daily order volume of at least 350 million [9].