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From: MASSOUD@auvm.bitnet (NADIM MASSOUD)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Computer Accessible Phone Directory?
Message-ID: <14661@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 13 Nov 90 07:52:14 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 818, Message 4 of 9


Hi, I was wondering why there isn't (or is there?) a way to find a
person's telephone number in the USA, by calling via modem. In France,
any Minitel terminal owner (the terminal is free) can do this, with a
variety of options in the search. Does anyone know if this is planned
or already exists? I also would apreciate any comments about the
future of Minitel in the USA.
 
A Minitel is a videotext terminal. A regular minitel works at 1200/75
bau ds, and anyone with a phone can have on free in France. There are
a few Minitel services in the USA ... emulations exist for various
micros.


[Moderato's Note: Actually, there are a few telco operated programs
like this in the USA, but they seem to be few and far between.
Illinois Bell has a service called 'Directory Express' which is like
what you described above. It is tariffed for business customers, and
at present has only a few. Primarily heavy users of directory
assistance are interested, since the service costs quite a bit per
hour of use monthly.  PAT]