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To: Knighty Tin who wrote (288591)	6/6/2004 9:23:31 AM
From: Pogeu Mahone	Respond to of 436258

Cell talkers ponder new nationwide directory By Thomas Caywood Sunday, June 6, 2004 Many cellphone users will have a Shakespearean choice to make later this year: to be listed in a new national wireless directory or not to be. Deirdre Cummings of the local consumer group MassPIRG is leaning toward leaving her cellphone unlisted. ``I would probably opt out at this point because I think it's going to be a tool for telemarketers,'' Cummings said. The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, or CTIA, is overseeing the compilation of the new mobile telephone number directory assistance database, which should be available later this year. Among major carriers only Verizon has decided not to participate in the wireless 411 directory. CTIA spokesman Kim Kuo said consumers will have to sign up to be listed and won't be charged a fee not to be listed. ``Consumers have to opt in. That's been one of the most misunderstood parts of this,'' Kuo said. Cummings said she sees potential benefits and drawbacks for consumers in the wireless directory plan. Certain professionals want to be as accessible as possible, she noted, but other consumers could get stuck paying for calls they don't want and don't get now. ``Consumers are charged money for all incoming calls unlike a land line,'' Cummings said. ``I think it's unfair that consumers would get charged (for unwanted calls).''