Do you think it's time for a cellphonebook?

Question

Obviously cell phones are not a fleeting trend. Do you think it is about time to have a reference book for cell phones? Would you want your number listed? How would they go about incorporating all the different (and constantly changing) companies, would each have their own book?

Give me your thoughts.

Can say that I agree with the idea that cell phones are for privacy. I have over heard way too many extremely personal conversations by people in public on their cell phone.

sorry - CAN'T say that I agree...

Answer 1

the expectation of privacy with cell phones is disappearing fast. now, most cell users are aware that the phones are actually transmitters and use radio frequencies. never mind with (as you stated) the fact that cell conversations are anything BUT private these days, with many business and personal transactions (!) being made in public areas, for all to hear.

on the other hand, how many prank calls or wrong numbers have you gotten on your cell phone, versus the amount you used to get on a landline? maybe it's true that people dial more carefully now because they must dial 10 digits instead of just 7. or maybe the fact is that their number will be readily available to YOU if they call you.

either way, folks give their cell phone number to others instead of their land line (if they have one) because that's how they can be most often reached. so a cell phone book would seem like a logical next step... right?

if a directory were to come about, i'd envision it as being something electronic, provided by YOUR cell phone carrier as a service to you (for a fee, of course.) there might well be already a large database of all exchanges and cell carriers out there already, waiting to be tapped. and if there's a profit to be made, you better bet that 'the network' will be there to provide it for your use. a paper directory in the traditional sense would become obsolete rather soon after printing, with the large number of cell phones in use and changing numbers and names, wouldn't you think? maybe some sort of electronic directory assistance operator through your carrier would make more sense to offer thatn having you predictive-text your way through 100,000 john joneses looking for the right one.

i'd be okay with being listed... i had my old home phone listed for many years and never worried a bit about it. after all, if i don't recognize the caller, i don't have to answer!

Answer 2

I do not think that cell phones should have a reference book.

First, if someone has your cell phone number they can call you at anytime of the day, no matter where you are, and if you have your phone on get hold of you. Plus, already too many people use their cell phones while driving and as more calls would be made to cell phones as a result of books being published then more people would use their phones when driving. So in a way, the publishing of a cell phone number book could increase accidents by distracted drivers.

And of course telemarketing calls would increase on cell phones. I do not get a call on my cell phone unless they know me personally. I like this fact. I keep my number private on purpose. Plus, you would have to deal with issues of people going over their minutes because people are talking to them. And could you imagine the text messages you would recieve? It would be a whole new world of spam. No thanks!

Answer 3

Cell phones are hand carried and private items. If there was a book listing then you might get calls from just about anyone at any time of the day or night. Now the only ones with your number are those that you have called (if they are smart enough to store the number and label it) and those that you CHOOSE to give the number to. Much better this way.

Answer 4

I don't think that would be a good idea because one of the reasons people get cell phones is to stop all of the calls and stuff. That would just be an easier way to get bill collectors and stuff to find out your number. But then again on the positive side this kind of would be a good idea so you could be reached in case of an emergency if people didn't know your home number.

Answer 5

I didn't have my land line listed when I had one. I certainly do not want my cell number listed. I give the number to people I want to talk to and don't give it to people I don't like. This way I never have to speak with my mother in law again. Also, what about telemarketers? Are they going to pay for the minutes they use? a cell phonebook is one of the worst ideas I have heard in a very long time.

Answer 6

When all incoming calls are free. Not until.


Another big problem is that cell phones really do not limit themselves to a location. My cell phone is not from my local area code, and my friend that has lived in NY for 4 years has an area code from San Fran or San Jose.

Answer 7

Good question. I think it would be a good idea, but each person should have the option to be in the phone book. Some people are limited on minutes and use their phones for emergency purpose only.

Answer 8

Maybe an online database. I mean it's 2007.

And I don't think many people would want their numbers posted because cell phone's, unlike land lines, require you to pay for minutes on incoming and outgoing local calls.

Answer 9

I have actually thought about this before...but personally, no, there's no way I'd want my cell phone number listed...it costs me money anytime my phone is used...so I'm choosy as to who gets the number...and telemarketers would so get cussed if they called me!!

Answer 10

I think it would kinda be stupid to have a book...I mean, if you want someone's cell number ask them for it. I would not want my number listed...i think it's just stupid...maybe you could have a number of ppl on your network...that would be better...but ppl change phone numbers and networks nonstop i don't see how it would work out.