Cell Numbers To Be Added To 411 315
darthC0der writes "Looking for a friend but don't have her phone number with you? For now, you can call directory assistance for her home number, but her wireless digits are off limits from 411. Not for long. The cellular providers are now getting close to making the cellluar numbers available to 411 callers. Here's the link to a CNN article. I don't about you guys but I personally do not want my cellular number to be made available so easily."
God No! (Score:5, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2, Funny)
Re:God No! (Score:2, Informative)
Re:God No! (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:God No! (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:God No! (Score:2, Funny)
Re:God No! (Score:2, Interesting)
But they won't give out the number... (Score:5, Interesting)
For example, wireless phone users might choose to be unlisted but willing to receive a short text message, sent through the directory service, from someone trying to contact them.
I can see this situation:
411: We cannot give out that phone number because it is a cell phone.
Telemarketer: But I really need to contact them.
411: You could send a message to 4841234567@attws.com.
Telemarketer: Thank you. I will do that.
The only text messages I receive are from ATT advertising their text services. The only text messages I sent were little romantic sayings to a girlfriend, but they did not do well because she could not discover how to read them. This was not entirely her fault: it was her first cell phone, she only had it one month, and Nokia buried the messages 3 levels into the menus.
--
Someone asked why cell phones do not have true caller ID. They only display the phone number, unless the number and name are in the phone book in the cell phone. I had asked ATT about this. They said that Verizon was refusing to let them into the local phone directories. I will believe anything evil about Verizon, but this seems silly:
1. Verizon cell phone customers have the same poor caller ID as ATT customers.
2. Every telemarketer, phone book publisher, and 411 operator has access to that list.
I believe that the cell phone companies are just too lazy to build the system properly.
--
And good news for me:
Verizon turned off my land line on WED MAR 12. On FRI MAR 14, I received a snailmail notice that they would shut it off on MAR 24 if I did not pay the $60 that was 20 days overdue. Today (MAR 21) they are probably trying to leave me a voicemail about the proposed shutoff.
I warned them last year that if they ever shut off my service again it would not be turned back on. Last year's shutoff was due to Verizon's computer problems. I was on auto-pay at the time, but they charged me to have the phone lines restored. When they would not refund the charges, I turned off one phone line and made the threat.
So they are permanently losing a customer. No more land lines for me. Yeah!
--
The Slashdot quote for this article was appropriately:
The more crap you put up with, the more crap you are going to get.
I believe that summarizes the entire telecommunications industry.
What's even better... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:What's even better... (Score:3, Funny)
Of course, paint washes off, and there'd be no way to keep people from abusing the system... but it'd certainly be a great way to relieve the frustration...
"What's that... on the cell phone...?"
THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!
"Ahhh..."
Re:What's even better... (Score:2)
Actually, you father is probably misremembering an old Gallagher bit, where he suggested the same thing, except with little dart guns. When a cop sees you with too many darts, you get a ticket for being stupid.
I'm in favor (Score:2)
Hell, I'd love to see jamming devices installed all over.
Will there be listed in phone books as well. (Score:5, Funny)
It's the sound of billions of trees crying.
Re:Will there be listed in phone books as well. (Score:5, Insightful)
Phone books...man don't get me started. They should only go out to those who specificly request and pay a s*** load for them. I very rarely use a phone book, because I am able to look things up online and call 411 without of killing a tree.
I hate how it is a huge waste of paper. I also hate all of the junk mail I continuously receive for the same reason.
Around here, there are area phone books independent of the bigger Bellsouth edition, and we do get all of them. A couple of weeks ago, each house in my neighborhood was left two, not one, two of one of these area books. It must have been 300 pages. Why would any house need two? They both went directly into my recycling bin as I brought in from the curb.
What a waste!
Later,
-Slashdot Junky
.
Re:Will there be listed in phone books as well. (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Will there be listed in phone books as well. (Score:4, Informative)
Here in Oz, the caller of a cellular gets the phone bill, not the receiver. Telemarketers can call my mobile all they want; in fact, I never give out my home phone number if I can help it.
Re:Phone books as a waste of paper. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Will there be listed in phone books as well. (Score:3, Insightful)
Someone already does pay a s***load of money for the phone books. Where did you think that big yellow section at the front of the book came from?
For the record, my home computer has been offline for the last month (too busy to make some repairs) so I haven't been abl
Uh oh... (Score:5, Interesting)
I'll just have to stop answering this phone, too...
Amen (Score:2)
Makes sense to me; I pay for all calls, even incoming ones... only people I WANT to hear from get the number.
*Sigh* more people calling to waste my valuable time...
Re:Amen (Score:5, Insightful)
If all the companies start charging for unlisted numbers, there's no competitive disadvantage to them, just as competition didn't protect us when the banks all decided to start charging for use of automatic tellers.
Re:Amen (Score:3, Insightful)
Yep, that almost works.
From the article:
That's where it breaks down.
Critical thinking: it's not a talent; it's paranoia based upon extensive experience.
--K.
Re:Amen (Score:2)
It can be done right now. (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Uh oh... (Score:2)
I make it personal policy not to answer an unrecognized or blocked number. If it's important, the caller will leave a message.
Re:Uh oh... (Score:2)
Tough shit if I miss a call, but hey, life goes on.
Come to think of it, I hate phones in general. But answering machines, they're just RUDE.
On the other hand... (Score:2)
I mean - I use my cell phone as my primary phone anyway. I'm used to screening calls with it. In some ways, I would be more accessible (in a good way) if people could call directory assistance and get my number.
Just a thought.
Re:Uh oh... (Score:2)
Dunno about the rest of the world... (Score:5, Informative)
That's the point.. Turn it into a profit center (Score:5, Insightful)
By switching the system as a so-called "benefit" - allowing people to find out our cells numbers to call us, which we have pay airtime for incidentally, they EXPECT that most people will say "hey! Keep my number unlisted!" To which they will happily say "Sure, we can do that for $6.95 a month." BAM! Instant stealth revenue enhancement in a very price competitive industry.
-Mp
does anyone even read the article??? (Score:5, Informative)
The centralized database of wireless numbers would be off limits to telemarketers, and consumers would be able to choose whether to have their numbers listed or unlisted, according to people familiar with the process.
I think the above makes their intentions clear
Re:does anyone even read the article??? (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:does anyone even read the article??? (Score:5, Insightful)
I wish someone would explain to me why I have to pay someone NOT to include my name (and why I pay every month).
Re:does anyone even read the article??? (Score:2)
you must be new here....hello.
xao
her (Score:2, Funny)
No actually, not. My mom maybe.
but what about.... (Score:4, Interesting)
xao
Re:but what about.... (Score:2)
just no telemarketers please (Score:2, Interesting)
What's the point? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:What's the point? (Score:5, Informative)
Re:What's the point? (Score:2, Informative)
There has been an option for some time now where people can opt to have their mobile number in the phonebook instead of a normal landline.
Basically directory assistance for us uses the same database as the phonebook. Also if you have your number unlisted in the phonebook, it should not show up in directory assistance.
But that does not stop the telemarketers. The only times a telema
Consumer-Paid-for Advertising (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Consumer-Paid-for Advertising (Score:3, Funny)
what situation would cause that to happen?.....surely you don't call them, do you?
Re:Consumer-Paid-for Advertising (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Consumer-Paid-for Advertising (Score:3, Informative)
In my state (Colorado), it's illegal for telemarketers to call me because I signed up (online) for the Colorado no-call list. Check if your state has one. If a telemarketer calls me, they're liable for up to $500. Unfortunately, non-profit organizations and politicians seem to be exempt. I got 5 calls a day in the three weeks leading up to the last election.
Unpublished Numbers? (Score:3, Funny)
Which is why the cellular carriers will probably let you classify your cellphone number as unlisted/unpublished once the numbers are available via 411... Though "unlisting" your number carries a monthly charge, of course! Don't worry, the telcos will always find a new way to charge^Wsatisfy you.
Privacy Concerns (Score:2, Funny)
No Call List (Score:5, Informative)
They claim you can choose (Score:4, Informative)
I don't about you guys but I personally do not want my cellular number to be made available so easily.
I'm curious to know if you read the article. I doubt most of the respondants here will, either, so I quote for you:
The centralized database of wireless numbers would be off limits to telemarketers, and consumers would be able to choose whether to have their numbers listed or unlisted, according to people familiar with the process.
Regardless of whether or not you believe the telemarketers won't get access to it, you can apparently choose not you have your number included. Now, what it doesn't say is if being listed will cost money, as unlisted land-line numbers do now.
Re:They claim you can choose (Score:2)
Pay to unlist? (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Pay to unlist? (Score:3, Insightful)
On a side note, if telcos actually had the customers interests in mind, they might consider getting rid of at least the white pages and using the money saved to provide directory assistance at little to no charge. Of course the yellow pages will probably be around forever.
Comment removed (Score:5, Interesting)
I don't have a phone.... (Score:3, Funny)
defaults (Score:5, Interesting)
The question is, what is the default option? Will we have to tell them we don't want to be listed like we have to do with land lines?
Re:defaults (Score:2, Interesting)
In Australia (Score:5, Insightful)
This is a sensible approach, as those people who want their number to remain private can keep it that way.
Ask... (Score:3, Interesting)
But I could be wrong. Maybe a lot of people use it.
Re:Ask... (Score:2)
When is the last time you've ever used 411? I don't think I ever have.
You don't need to use 411 to get a number that is available through 411. When a phone number becomes available like this, you can use websites such as anywho.com, superpages.com, etc. to find these numbers.
Re:Ask... (Score:2)
Actually, I use it all the time, when I'm out driving around and don't have access to a web browser - restaurant reservations, primarily (when I realize it's a Friday or Saturday night, it's the city, and I've got to arrange dinner for three friends and none of us like hour-long waits).
-T
Re:Ask... (Score:2)
AT&T Wireless's 411 service is really nice. Ask them where some place is, tell them where you are, and then they forward you to an automated direction-giving system that you can rewind and fast forward through to get where you need to go. One time I wasn't sure what a place was even called, and the guy stayed on the line with me for 5-10
Re:Ask... (Score:2)
Mobile Only - Mixed Feelings (Score:2)
I share a land line with my house mates and only one person receives voice on that line - everybody else has cell service as primary phone.
While I do like the relative privacy of a cell number, the fact that I have had to promulgate my cell number as my primary number means that lots of people already have it. Given that my alum assoc is begging me for cash on it already, what would be the downside to having some real life person be able to look me up?
I have no problem with this... (Score:3, Informative)
Re:I have no problem with this... (Score:2)
Re:I have no problem with this... (Score:2, Insightful)
Next thing you will be telling me that you are paying for SMS messages that you receive..
Probably means nothing to you, but in Australia, unless voicemail is involved, the caller pays for the call.
A lot of mobile carriers in Australia, charge the caller STD rates (same as calling someone outside of the state) for the call. STD rates are timed. whereas local calls are a flat rate, usually, unless you are using a payphone.
Re:I have no problem with this... (Score:2)
Re:I have no problem with this... (Score:2)
We've never had to pay for incoming calls, either land line or mobile. Infact, that you accept this over the pond, is astounding.
We don't pay for recieved SMS.
We don't have a monopoly in the "cell" (as you quaintly call them) phone market.
To summarise: we don't have a monopoly, and don't pay to recieve calls (or SMS.)
You guys are being ripped off. Start a protest campaign or something!
Calling party pays (Score:2, Interesting)
Paying for only outgoing calls would be quite a stupid thing to do for a wireless provider, as what people would do, is call person X, say "Hey person X, call me back." then hang up.
You can do that only with your close relatives. For example, my wife has a plan at 40 a minute, and land calls pay only 10. We do exactly what you say, but the telephone company still get
Re: (Score:2)
Re:I have no problem with this... (Score:2)
reality check (Score:5, Funny)
Since when did what you want/not want become a primary factor with business today? I don't like it either, but I'm not naive enough to believe they have my interests at heart. I'm surprised at your surprise.
Money grab. (Score:2, Insightful)
It's all a ploy to get another 4 or 5 bucks a month out of cell users that want to make their number(s) unlisted.
About all the telemarketting concerns... (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:About all the telemarketting concerns... (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:About all the telemarketting concerns... (Score:2)
Re:About all the telemarketting concerns... (Score:2)
(I just used their, they're and there correctly, all in one post. Perhaps this post could be included in some sort of slashdot.org grammar helper??)
I'm not too worried (Score:3, Interesting)
Semi-off topic, but when can I own my cell number? (Score:5, Interesting)
I can do this with my residential number though.
Anyone know if this will be changing in the future?
Re:Semi-off topic, but when can I own my cell numb (Score:2, Insightful)
Change is coming.. (Score:5, Interesting)
Telemarkters? (Score:2, Insightful)
What about "PrePaid" phones. (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:What about "PrePaid" phones. (Score:2)
switch to caller-pays-for-airtime model? (Score:2, Interesting)
BTW, I don't have a cellphone. I hate them, partly because even with people you don't mind
caller ID (Score:3, Interesting)
my experiance has been... (Score:2, Insightful)
The few calls I dont want that I get are people calling for whomever previously had that number. Strangely enough they seem to be non-english-speaking mexicans. Fortunately, yo hablo un poco espanol, so I let them know... spanish in a minnesota accent... Su
lets reference an old story i submitted (Score:5, Insightful)
Why you pay to be unlisted... (Score:5, Interesting)
By being unlisted, you are costing them money. They will get it back one way or another. Believe it or not, telephone service among other things is a private enterprise! You don't own your number, you just purchase the right to use it for a time. The phone company actually owns the rights to that number and can do with it as they please.
I am interested to see what happens when telemarketers call however, since it's true about them not being able to call a number where the called party pays. Either the telemarketers won't buy a shitload of useless numbers, or cell phone providers will start shelling out free incoming calls to everyone since they can sell the number that way. Of course then a telemarketer would know which calling plan you're on which has to be some kind of invasion of privacy... Hmm, very tricky. Watch and see what promo's they come out with...
In other world news I'm going to copyright my phone number! Unless someone can prove prior art, given the complete idiocy of our patent system I should be able to get away with it. Then under the DMCA, I can sue anyone attempting to use my number by calling it since they would be entering copyrighted material without my permission. Brilliant I tell you... =)
Re:Why you pay to be unlisted... (Score:3, Insightful)
Capitalism doesn't mean the right to MAKE money. It is the right to EARN money.
Following your/their logic, members of the RIAA should go ahead and tax me for not buying their music, since by my LEGALLY not listening and/or purchasing to their stuff I'm "costing" them money.
I do realize that technically the telephone company does own the phone number which has been assigned to me. However, publishing my name in relatio
Pronouns Are Fun (Score:3, Funny)
"friend?" "her?" This is slashdot, buddy. Our dear readers are gonna think yer talkin' about their moms.
Re:Pronouns Are Fun (Score:3, Funny)
No telemarketers my ass... (Score:3, Informative)
A well known fact you all keep missing: (Score:5, Informative)
This is a "non-issue", at least with regards to telemarketing....
siri
i've a brilliant idea (Score:3, Interesting)
Not so bad being in the phone book (Score:4, Insightful)
For years my local phone company had a policy stating you could _spell_ your name any way you wanted for the phone book.
So, for years I was listed in the phone book under an alias.
...Me: "Here's how I would like my name listed."
...Phone company rep: "Um, is that a roommate, or something?"
...Me: "Um, yep."
At least the "or something" part was true. This was quite a deal, since unlisted numbers cost an extra $1.25/month (something like that), but an aliased name was free. Now the phone is listed as [spouse's name] (she wants to be listed).
The alias method instantly identifies telemarketers, who can then be dealt with as you wish:
..."Is this Mr. [alias]?"
..."Add this number to your do-not-call list." [click]
..."May I speak to [alias]?"
..."Oh!" [adopt somber voice] "I'm so sorry, he died a week ago."
..."Um -- "
Method A)
Method B)
News? Issue? I don't get it... (Score:3, Interesting)
Honestly, I don't see what the fuss is about. A telephone number is a telephone number. If its kept secret it should be based on your choice, not on whether speech is carried by method x or y, with cords or without.
Strange ideas...
From the old continent,
When the US catch up with the rest of the world (Score:3, Insightful)
The best part though is that they sell these contraptions at all stores everywhere (including the likes of k-mart and such) so getting a completly anonymous phone is no problem.
The chick in the counter at your local supermarked won't be able to tell if your ID is fake (if she even bothers to check it)...
That's one step for technology, a huge leap for privacy ;-)
Ahh, the whole reason in one quick blurb. (Score:4, Informative)
There you go. They could have done this article in 1 paragraph.
"Wireless Execs, looking to fill their coffers with more cash, have decided to make you pay to not have your wireless cell number listed on the 411 directory service. In related news, the sales of multi-million dollar houses in the Bahamas has increased."
Businesses will now pay to be listed AND unlisted (Score:4, Interesting)