Opinion: Jay Cline says the proposed directory of cellular phone numbers will only be used by 411 operators, not telemarketers, and has all of the privacy controls it needs.

The directory, which opened for business last July, purportedly contained more than 90 million phone numbers that the company said was composed of “opt-in cell phone numbers” that consumers ...

Her cell phone number is even more sacred. This kind of passion for privacy is prevalent in Western states, and that could signal an uphill battle for proponents of a national cell phone directory.

Instead, the numbers would be available only by dialing 411. Callers could use any directory assistance service, including those offered by wired phone companies, to access listed wireless numbers.

Proponents of a national cell phone directory say it will be easy for customers who don't want to be listed to opt out. But to be sure, some federal lawmakers want to mandate that.

Rep. Dawn Morrell, D-Puyallup, who sponsors the state bill, said a directory would create a "cell phone hell" if the law does not restrict companies from publishing telephone numbers.

Her cell phone number is even more sacred. This kind of passion for privacy is prevalent in Western states, and that could signal an uphill battle for proponents of a national cell phone directory.

Her cell phone number is even more sacred. This kind of passion for privacy is prevalent in Western states, which could signal an uphill battle for proponents of a national cell phone directory.

A company claiming to have half of the unlisted phone numbers (and names and locations of their owners) in the U.S. will sell you the list for less than 15 bucks.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, blasted a plan to create a national cell phone directory, saying it would give telemarketers the chance to inundate consumers with unsolicited calls and text messages ...

Her cell phone number is even more sacred. This kind of passion for privacy is prevalent in Western states, and that could signal an uphill battle for proponents of a national cell phone directory.

Cell-phone users got the wrong idea about the directory, fearing their numbers would be handed to telemarketers or that their number would be listed even if they didn't want it, he said.