Why are cell phone numbers not considered public information?

Over the past year, many different emails have circulated stating that cell phone subscribers must register their phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry before a certain deadline, to avoid receiving telemarketing calls because cell phone numbers will be released to the public. These emails are fake for the simple fact that it is illegal for telemarketers using automated dialers (virtually all) to call wireless phones, and also because mobile numbers have always been and will remain private.

Cell phone numbers are not considered public information for a number of reasons. Although there was and still is interest in creating a public directory for wireless phones (Wireless 411), mobile phone numbers will never be published in a public directory, like the white pages. The telephone rates charged to mobile phone consumers simply vary too much and are generally higher than those for traditional landlines.

Cell phone providers offer their customers a variety of phones, packages, and plans to choose from based on their needs. While some people only use their phone for emergencies and are happy with basic phone service with 50 minutes of talk per month or less, or subscribe to a pay-as-you-go plan, others use their wireless phone for business or as their primary telecommunications medium. device. These folks typically purchase additional phone features (IE call waiting, caller ID, text messages, internet access, etc.) and pay a hefty fee.

However, regardless of how much a phone may cost a person, making and receiving calls or text messages, regardless of whether they are local or long distance, is not free. Mobile users are charged for minutes from their plan, real money if minutes are exceeded, or they pay a significant amount for a plan that gives them unlimited calling. Therefore, the main reason that cell phone numbers are not public information is that it puts users at risk of being charged or lost minutes due to unwanted calls being made to their phone.

However, while you will not be able to find a mobile phone number using a forward lookup, you can use a reverse phone lookup if you already have the cell phone number and want more information about its owner.

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