WASHINGTON-Hoping to capitalize on recent decisions by a pair of wireless carriers to postpone their involvement in the controversial wireless 411 directory, the Consumers Union is urging Congress to pass legislation that would require consumers to provide written permission to be included in such a directory.
Consumers Union noted that recent comments by Sprint Corp. and Alltel Corp. regarding their lack of participation in the wireless 411 directory this year, along with Verizon Wireless’ long-standing opposition to such a directory, is proof that Congress needs to take action to protect consumer privacy. Sprint noted last week that it likely would not participate in a wireless directory this year due to legal concerns, but said it continues to support such an initiative and would look at participating in the service beginning in 2006.
“We hope Sprint has clearly heard the concerns of their customers who don’t want to be in a 411 registry that does not legally guarantee privacy protection,” said Consumers Union telecom policy analyst Janee Briesemeister. “Right now, wireless companies can start a directory whenever they want, and they are not bound by any federal law to give consumers strict control over their cell-phone number.”
The wireless 411 directory, which was scheduled to be initiated later this year, is supported by wireless industry trade association CTIA as well as other wireless operators, including Cingular Wireless L.L.C., T-Mobile USA Inc. and Nextel Communications Inc.
