Wireless directory draws cheers, jeers

摘要

The wireless industry insists that customers are clamoring for directory assistance for mobile phone numbers, although critics - including IT executives - say the move carries unacceptable risks for businesses. The Cellular Telecom- munications Industry Association (CTIA) and five of the six largest wireless carriers are developing a plan to include wireless phone numbers in a database accessible by dialing 411 as early as the first quarter of next year. The CTIA, AT&T Wireless, Cin-gular Wireless, Nextel Communications, Sprint PCS and T-Mobile are behind the effort. Verizon Wireless denounces the directory initiative, saying it compromises user privacy and is unnecessary "Let's, as an industry stop pushing something on customers that they clearly don't want," Verizon Wireless CEO Denny Strigl said at a recent conference. "It's a dumb idea."