Controversies about cellular phone directories
Another bit of cellular phone insanity – Is there really a cellular phone directory where you can just look up the list of numbers?
Contrary to a popular urban legend, cellular phone subscribers do not have to list their numbers on a do-not-call list to avoid telemarketers.
The cellular phone telemarketing scare has shown up lately in so many e-mail inboxes that the Federal Communications Commission issued a report this month to show up the warning.
There are several versions of the e-mail warning. Most subscribers say that cellular phone numbers are about to be listed in a directory that will be handed over to telemarketers. For those who needs privacy and not want to be pestered, wireless subscribers are urged to put their numbers on the national do-not-call list immediately.
There is a grain of truth in the statement making it believable, but it’s wrong on two counts: Not all cell phone numbers will be listed in the national directory. And telemarketers will not have access to the directory. For one, it is illegal for marketers using auto-dialers to call wireless phone numbers.
Here’s the idea about the cellular phone directory:
A national directory will be compiled, but numbers will be included on an optional basis. If a mobile phone subscriber does not agree, the number will not be listed. When the cellular phone directory is ready, it will be available only as part of the existing 411 directory service, accessed by calling in and asking for a specific number. It will not be published in a book or on the Internet. And most of all, it will not be sold to telemarketers.
Cell phone subscribers can give their numbers on the do-not-call list if they want, but there is no deadline to get on the list, as the e-mail messages now circulating suggest.
The Wireless Association started the wireless 411 directory effort about 18 months ago. Since, there is really a large demand for it.
For instance, small business owners who are constantly on the road want to list their numbers to make it easier for customers to find them. Many of them can’t afford to have someone in an office answering the phone.
But the cellular phone directory has been a debate among wireless service providers.
Some began opposing the idea early in the process.
These cellular subscribers believe that there’s no value in creating a cellular phone directory. Besides, subscribers already have an option of having their wireless phone numbers listed in the white pages.
Most mobile carriers also want to maintain their privacy. So, the value of creating a cellular phone directory is not necessary.
On the other hand, there are still some subscribers who want their numbers to be listed in the cellular phone directory.
Prior to the agreement and the privacy protections promised by the carriers, some would list their numbers in the directory.
The cellular phone directory is most likely favored by people who use cellular phones as their main phones. Many people are paying a fee to list their wireless numbers in phone books.
Cellular phone providers agreeing to participate in the wireless 411 directory are expected to contact their subscribers next year to explain the project and offer them the chance to opt in.
Chris Comes, a director of the Cingular Wireless, said that they will not contact subscribers about the directory this year but might in the future.
However, U.S. Cellular Company will not ask customers to participate in the directory. Since, their customers are expecting privacy. They have a policy against revealing their customers’ numbers to anyone.
The company has been receiving lots of calls from their customers, worried about the new directory.
Until now there are still rumors circulating about the cellular phone directory. But whatever the decision is, you still have the choice.
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