The creation of a mobile directory-assistance database could mean billions in revenue within the next four years, according to a report released Tuesday.
“Adding Mobile Numbers to the U.S. Directory Assistance/Enquiry Database,” a report by The Pierz Group, indicates that carriers and DA/DQ service providers would stand to gain $2 billion by 2008 if the controversial database were established.
Carriers have been at odds over the creation of such a database. Denny Strigl, Verizon Wireless chief executive officer, has called it a “dumb idea” that wireless customers don’t want; Cingular Wireless L.L. C. Chief Operating Officer Ralph de la Vega has said carriers shouldn’t deny consumers their right to directory assistance.
Kathleen Pierz, managing partner at The Piertz Group, said a voluntary database could be a valuable tool for consumers while still protecting their privacy.
“With the technology available today, providing greater consumer privacy and better connectivity at the same time are not mutually exclusive ends,” said Pierz. “If consumers are given a reasonable amount of privacy protection, and if point-of-sale communications properly direct them toward an opt-in program, consumers will list their mobile-phone numbers for DA/DQ purposes.”
