Why Aren't Cell Phone Numbers Considered Public Information?

Over the past year, many different emails havewith basic phone service with 50 talking minutes
circulated claiming that cell phone subscribers needper month or less, or subscribe to a
to register their phone numbers with the Nationalpay-as-you-go plan, others use their wireless
Do Not Call Registry by a certain deadline, tophone for business or as their main
avoid receiving telemarketing calls because cellulartelecommunication device. These individuals
numbers will be released to the public. Thesetypically purchase extra phone features (I.E. call
emails are false for the simple fact that it is illegalwaiting, caller ID, texting, Internet access, etc.),
for telemarketers that use autodialers (virtually alland pay a substantial fee.
of them) to call wireless phones, and also becauseNevertheless, regardless of how much a phone
mobile numbers have always been private, and willmay cost a person, making and receiving incoming
remain as such.calls or texts, regardless if they are local or long
Cellular phone numbers are not considered publicdistance, is not free. Mobile users are charged
information for different reasons. Even thoughminutes from their plan, actual money if minutes
there was and still is interest in creating a publicare exceeded, or pay a significant amount for a
directory for wireless phones (Wireless 411),plan that provides them with unlimited calling. Thus,
mobile numbers will never be published in a publicthe main reason why cell phone numbers are not
directory, such as the White Pages. The phonepublic information, is it puts users at risk of being
fees cellphone consumers are charged, simplycharged or having their minutes wasted from
vary too much, and are typically higher thanunwanted calls being made to their phone.
traditional landline telephones.Nevertheless, though you will not be able to find a
Cell phone providers offer their customers awireless number through a forward search, you
variety of phones, packages and plans to choosecan use a reverse phone lookup if you already
from to suit their needs. While some people onlyhave the cell phone number, and would like to find
use their phone for emergencies and are happyout more about its owner.