Start the bids when your number's up

Kiwis can bid on some unique phone numbers when 2degrees launches their auction today. Photo / Christchurch Star

Some of New Zealand's sought-after cellphone numbers are going up for auction today.

The latest player in the mobile market, 2degrees, is selling a range of exclusive digits on Trade Me over the next three weeks, with proceeds going to child cancer charity KidsCan.

The first batch, available today, relates to businesses and include options such as 022 BUILDER, 022 DENTIST and 022 MIDWIFE. Next week's set include names, such as 022 MATTHEW.

In the final week, cellphone users can bid for "golden numbers", including 022 888 8888.

More than 50,000 people have pre-registered to join the network, which is expected to drive increased competition in the cellphone sector next month when it launches.