Cell Phone Directory

The Personal Directory Feature

Most of today's cell phones come with a commonly used function called the "directory." The directory on a cell phone can be customized and programmed to hold and store phone numbers for anyone the cell phone owner wants to easily access.

Some older cell phone models have the capability of storing another person's name and phone number (possibly two phone numbers). However, newer model cell phones usually have the ability to store much more information in their directory - such as a home address, an e-mail address, and possibly even notes about the person or business to which the phone number is attached. Sometimes, specific pictures or ringtones can even be linked to the various entries in a cell phone directory.

Store More Than 100 Numbers

Many cell phones allow a person to input phone numbers and other contact information for more than one hundred people or businesses. A cell phone directory usually has the ability to organize all of the entries so they are in alphabetical order or in a preferred/programmed order. Selecting a name from a cell phone directory is similar to a "speed dial" on a regular phone since the number is automatically dialed when the cell phone user hits "send" or "call" when a particular phone number is highlighted.

Wireless 411 Directory

A wireless "411" directory does exist, but most people's cell phone numbers are not included on the list. The reason that so many people have been able to keep their cell phone numbers private is that most of the large cell phone companies have made the decision to not allow their customers' cell phone numbers to become public information without their prior approval.

The companies that have opted out of placing their customers' cell phone numbers in a public directory are Verizon, U.S. Cellular Corp, Sprint, and Alltel. Of course, if individuals who subscribe to one of these companies want their cell phone number included in the directory, they can opt in and add their numbers.

Cell Phone Owners Must Opt In to Directory

One of the main reasons that mandatory inclusion in the national 411 cell phone directory has not become a reality is that many cell phone owners are charged for incoming calls.

Many cell phone owners are also concerned about including their cell phone numbers in a cell phone directory because they do not want to start receiving telemarketing calls. Currently, telemarketers are not permitted to make calls to cell phone numbers - but some inevitably do make it through and the calls usually infuriate cell phone owners.

Cell Phone Directory Hoax E-Mail

There has been an e-mail circulating around the United States (and probably the entire world) that states, "if you don't act soon, your cell phone number will be given to telemarketing companies," and in order to prevent this from happening, cell phone owners must call a 1-800 number and have their cell phone number added to a National Do Not Call list.

This e-mail, which has been successfully forwarded by thousands of people to everyone they know - warning them about this potential problem - does not contain truthful information.

The truth is: Telemarketers are not legally allowed to make calls to any cell phone numbers. If they do… it is considered illegal activity. Therefore, there is no need to register any cell phone numbers on a National Do Not Call List.