BY LARA BECKER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati Bell has postponed the launch of its new "411" service after customers complained the program could violate their privacy. For 60 cents a call, "reverse search" would allow callers to obtain a customer's name and address from a listed phone number. For another 50 cents a call, a caller could get a street and e-mail addresses, pager and wireless phone numbers and ZIP codes for customers who want such information released.
People on the move, such as real estate agents, say they appreciate the new services, since they wouldn't have to lug telephone books around.
But others do not want their names and addresses released so readily. "It is of grave concern for us," said Ann McDonald, executive director of Women Helping Women.
"Sometimes, technology is manipulated by abusers," she said. "The fear (is) that something terrible will happen."
Listed customers can block such access by notifying Cincinnati Bell. Customers with unlisted numbers are excluded automatically. Libby Korosec, Cincinnati Bell spokeswoman, said she could not say how many customers had asked that their addresses not be sold. But she said the requests were 2 percent of the telephone book listings.
The company has 1.2 million access lines, she said, although a customer might have more than one line.
The company has received a "steady stream of responses" about the new services, she said.
Cincinnati Bell originally told customers the services would begin Monday. But the company delayed the start to later this month and has staff working extra hours to take calls from people who want to keep their information private.
Customers can call 397-9880 to exclude their addresses from reverse search.
