BY JOHN HOPKINS
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati Bell has launched two programs that increase information access to it customers -- the controversial "Reverse Search" that had been delayed and "Additional Information."
The services, approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), were "up and running" as of Tuesday, said Libby Korosec, Cincinnati Bell spokeswoman. For a fee, the services will offer 411 callers more directory assistance information. Reverse Search will allow customers to call 411 and use a listed phone number to get a customer's name and address. The cost is 60 cents per request
Additional Information will give customers the option of listing their complete communications profile, including street and Internet addresses, pager and wireless phone numbers and zip code, in the directory assistance system. A 50-cent dial to 411 will give callers that customer's complete communication profile.
PUCO received no formal complaints about the Reverse Search feature, although some worried that it violated privacy.
Others, such as real estate agents, welcomed it because it means they won't have to tote telephone books on their rounds. Cincinnati Bell has 1.2 million access lines, with about 600,000 customers. The company gets about 200 requests a day for additional numbers and address information, Ms. Korosec said.
So far, about 2 percent to 4 percent of Cincinnati Bell's listed customers have elected to exclude themselves from that service, according to Ms. Korosec.
Both services are optional. Listed customers may exclude their addresses from Reverse Search at no charge by calling 397-9880. Unlisted customers are automatically excluded.
To be included in the Additional Information service, customers can call 397-5400.
