lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein) (08/29/83)
The query should have been directed to the TELECOM digest. However, I discussed this topic in detail in that digest just a couple of weeks ago, I believe. You might want to check the back issues for all of the details. The short of it is that the technical ability to completely pass along the calling party's number in all cases does not currently exist. The number is passed through CCIS in many cases, but all connections are not yet CCIS based, and most non-toll circuits do not pass such info in any case. There are plans for features like "call screening" in the future, but they are down the line aways. Even when the ability exists to pass along the number to the subscriber, there are some rather complex ramifications. For example, do you want every company that YOU ever call to collect your number and add you to all sorts of phone and mail lists? Anyway, please see the back issues of TELECOM for more details. --- In California, I believe that automatic solicitation machines can no longer be used unless they are being monitored by a human who sets up the call and listens to make sure that the machine releases when you hang up. Completely unattended dialing of banks of numbers is no longer permitted. --Lauren--