Privacy Issues On Cell Phone Directory Service

By Author: Wyatt Smith
Total Articles: 20
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One of the apprehensions people have in having their names listed in directories is the privacy concern. Having your number listed on a database and considering a possible breach in security through craftiness in technology would mean unsolicited calls or messages from unwanted parties.

If you feel the same way, fearing that your privacy may be pages away from being violated, here is something to make you feel sound about wireless service directories. Although free people search is there, cell phone information may not be available.

According to Kathleen Pierz, Managing Partner at the Clarkston Consulting Firm, "Over time, you might actually get more people, once people see that it works. Indeed, all you need is enough information on how the people behind cell phone directories plan to make it safe and sound for you.

"Telemarketers use lists, they never call directory assistance", says Pierz. Once someone calls and asks for another person's number, there will be no log or report stored containing the information being requested and provided. Only the database will serve as a list, nothing else. This list ...
... will never be used by telemarketers. Only database personnel have access to the secure data. Besides, a 411 call costs between 25 cents and $2.49 each. And that is too expensive for a telemarketer to pay for just one listing.

Also, those who are backing the new wireless directory say wireless subscribers can stop their fear of the unwanted spread of their numbers and need not worry about privacy: It is already illegal to make telemarketing calls to wireless phones, and the new Do Not Call registry adds another layer of protection for consumers who don't want to be hassled on the move. There are no plans for a directory to be printed or being sold to telemarketers.

Because of these precautions, early next year, all U.S. wireless-service providers except for Verizon Wireless will allow their customers to opt in into a directory-assistance service. Of course, the customers still have the power of choosing the decision if they want their number to be listed in the directory. A wireless customer needs to make a call first to their service provider or sign an agreement specifying that they would like to be listed.

Im sure this part would make most of you smile: considerable amounts of effort have been made by wireless companies to see to it that the listing will be free.

If all plans have been set to motion, the date will be kept under very strict confidentiality. As a wireless service subscriber, your number will make its way into a special database, updated daily and maintained with the highest levels of privacy.
The database will now be sent to companies who carry the directory service.

Everything sounds like a sound plan. Added to this, fears unsolicited telemarketing calls are likely to be overrated. Weighing which the convenience of being listed in a directory against an occasional unwanted call, most mobile users and small businesses say it may be worth it. After all, you can always hang up if an unwanted party rings your unlisted number.
Steve works for the NCD where you can run a reverse phone lookup in the free reverse phone directory..