JAJZ801@calstate.bitnet (09/28/90)
I'm not really opening up the Caller-ID discussion here, just a thought for a related service, called maybe CALLER CLASS BLOCKING or something. There ought to be something like a NO SOLICITORS sign for phone lines. Telemarketers (which we may define to be businesses, agencies, or charities making unsolicited calls that are not part of any on-going transaction or relationship with the callee), would have a code transmitted with their number that identified the call/caller as such. The recipeint could elect to have such calls blocked or perhaps Caller-ID equipment could reject/block them directly (e.g. don't interrupt me during dinner with this junk). The CO blocking option would be like the service now that let's you (try to) get off various mailing lists to cut down on junk mail. Failure to use the telemarketer signature or identify the lines use as such when obtaining it would be cause for termination of service and fines and other legal action. Please no peppering with the technical difficulties. I make no claim to the practicality. Jeff Sicherman jajz801@calstate.bitnet