Cell-Phone 411: Boon or Bane?

Wired reports on how privacy and consumer advocates are reacting about the consortium of wireless providers who plan on launching a wireless 411 service early next year.

"Privacy and consumer advocates are already pushing for federal legislation to make sure that people's numbers are not included in the proposed directory unless they specifically request it, since many people only give out their cell numbers to friends -- and unlike land-line phones, cell-phone users generally pay for incoming calls.

But the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association says there is no need for government regulation since the wireless-assistance database will be opt-in, meaning no number will be listed unless a customer asks to be included."

emily | 2:50 PM | News, Buzz |
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