smv@apollo.com (03/25/89)
As several contributors have pointed out, CPID isn't really going to do the average person much good. The problem of finding catching obscene callers is better solved by a code that reports the last/current callers number to the nuisance bureau. The problem of finding who hung up before you got to the phone is better solved by a "call back the last caller" code. Proponents of CPID say that it would allow them to screen incoming calls. Various contributors have also noted that this is a bad idea since relatives calling from pay phones, or other types of emergency calls would be missed. (Anyone who can remember all their friends' phone numbers has either a superb memory, or few enough friends that they should welcome calls from strangers. :-) Rather than provide us all with CPID, what the phone company should do is give us a way of posting "no solicitations" on our line. Then require junk callers to dial with a prefix that would bounce the call if we've chosen that option. Solicitation calls that get through should be reported to the nuisance bureau. If we played our cards right, we could probably get the junk callers pay for the service of not completing calls to people who don't want to receive them. The junk callers would presumably save money in the long run. On the other hand, I'd be willing to pay a small fee to know I won't receive junk calls.
ron@ron.rutgers.edu (Ron Natalie) (03/31/89)
CLID is a gimmick, it is another of the services that they can offer, and will try to have another billable item. It's right in there in the package with what I call "residential centrex" where they provide all sorts of silly items like the ability to use multiple different numbers in your house as an intercom. Not many people would consider installing a different telephone line in each room to do this (I guess I might, but I can guarantee that I'm the only one in the municipal area to have 10 residence lines). -Ron [Moderator's Note: I have 'Starline' on the phones in my home. Room-to-room intercom; putting calls on hold on one line, picking up elsewhere on another line; answer any incoming call from any other line; transfer incoming or outgoing call not only within my premise but off-premises; more. I think it's a great feature for $5.50 per line/month. I have two numbers. PT]