Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!sdd.hp.com!decwrl!hayes.fai.alaska.edu!accuvax.nwu.edu!nucsrl!telecom-request
From: rlf@mtgzy.att.com (Ronald L Fletcher)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: A Thesis on Caller ID
Message-ID: <10811@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 13 Aug 90 19:21:11 GMT
Sender: news@accuvax.nwu.edu
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 40
Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu
X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu
X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu
X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 566, Message 4 of 8


In article <10740@accuvax.nwu.edu>, leichter@lrw.com (Jerry Leichter) writes:

> I'll argue that the knock on the door and the ring of the telephone
> are equal invasions of privacy.  In each case, you have the right to
> ask for identification.  In each case, I can refuse to provide it -
> in which case you can close the door or hang up the phone.  That's as
> far as your rights go if I refuse to identify myself.

> In telephony terms, this means that I should have the right to send my
> ID or not; and you have the right to receive it, and refuse to answer
> if I didn't send it.

This analogy is not quite complete. The last time I used the "knock on
the door" analogy against Caller ID, a co-worker pointed out that it
is actually an argument for Caller ID. People forget that doors have
windows and peepholes.  If someone knocks on my door, I can see the
person knocking and given that information, I decide whether or not to
even answer the door.  If I recognize the person, I have their
identification without asking them for it.

The same is true for Caller ID. Upon seeing the calling number, I can
decide whether or not to answer the call. The ring equals the knock,
and the Caller ID equals the window/peephole.

I dont really understand why so many people have this "telemarketing
list" fear of Caller ID. The way I see it, when Caller ID is fully
implemented and ALL numbers are transmitted we will then have a
powerful tool to filter out the meaningful calls from the chaff.

This same co-worker has an idea that I like. He says that in addition
to the number, CID should carry a code describing whether the call
originates from a residence or business, then someone can market a
high-tech phone that can be programmed to send all calls marked
"business" to /dev/answering-machine.


					
		Ron Fletcher
		att!mtgzy!rlf