Japan's telecom companies began accepting applications for a carrier selection service called Myline on January 10, 2001. Currently, when accessing a carrier other than the NTT Group , a prefix number is required. But with the introduction of Myline, the connection to the caller's preferred carrier is made automatically. Carriers are presently cutting local rates and offering discounts in a frenzied bid to attract customers before the system begins on May 1.
Consumers hope for a similar competition regarding long-distance rates.
Their wishes may come true as competition heats up following the liberalization of the telecom market. Under Myline Plus, as long as the user does not dial a release code, all calls will be made through the designated carrier. The telecom companies are aiming to get customers to register their company as the carrier for all four types of calls under the Myline Plus system. As all the companies try to lure customers, a fierce competition regarding discounts is underway. Competition in the field of long distance calls began in Japan in 1985, when NTT was privatized.