FTC: Cell Phone Rumors & Do-Not-Call Registry

Cell Phone Rumors: While it's true that the major wireless phone providers (Verizon excepted) have announced their intention to establish a 411 directory of customers' cell phone numbers beginning in 2006, it is not true that they plan to "publish" said directory for any and all to read. Participating companies say the numbers will be made available only via telephone to users who dial directory assistance and pay a fee, and only with cusomer consent.

The companies swear the numbers will never be accessible to telemarketers, in fact, per FCC regulations. telemarketers are already prohibited from calling cell phone numbers using automated dialers, which are standard in the industry.