While there has been much talk floating the airwaves that cell
phone numbers will be released to telemarketers, this simply is
not the case. An e-mail was even dispensed to people warning them
of this occurrence and urging them to call an 800-number to get
off the "hit list."
However, a spokesman from the T-mobile cell phone provider who
specializes in privacy issues stated there is no such release planned.
He also pointed out there is a federal law that prohibits telemarketers
from using computer-generated dialing to connect to cell phones.
This fictitious e-mail also encouraged cell phone subscribers to
place their numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry administered
by the Federal Trade Commission to avoid getting sales calls. However,
the Federal Trade Commission states that people have always had
the option of putting cell phone and landline numbers on the registry
since its launch in June 2003. It has been suggested that the e-mail
derived from plans to roll out a 411 directory for wireless numbers
next year. Yet, before a cell phone number can even be included
in the directory, permission must first be granted from the cell
phone customer.
Therefore -- with permission, of course
-- the directory will include cell phone numbers drawn from the
following cell phone providers:
- Cingular Wireless (including AT&T Wireless)
- Nextel
- Sprint PCS
- T-Mobil
One provider who does not plan on participating in the directory
is Verizon Wireless.
San
Mateo County Times December 8, 2004
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