🚀 go-pugleaf

We got so tired of discussing the social issues of this (the technical
issues are pretty straightforward) over on comp.dcom.telecom that a
special "telecom-privacy" mailing list was started for those who just
couldn't get enough.  But, I'll share a few tidbits of related:

1) If you only want certain people to call a modem/ring your phone, etc,
there is a box, sold by HAL (Home Automation Labs) amoungst others, which
connects to your phone line and the phone/device is plugged into it.  It
answers your phone and demands a touch-tone password.  If the correct 
password is entered, it then generates a new ringing current for your
telephone/device to answer.  For less than $100, it's cheaper and more
straightforward than CID monthly charges + interpreter box.

2) For me, the biggest social issue of taking CID too seriously is:  If
a loved one is in a desparate situation and calls from a strange phone
(i.e. the only one available) are you going to ignore his/her call?  No
replies necessary - some have already said this is not applicable to them,
etc.

3) Related:  Phone numbers get recycled.  If you block too many, one day
it may belong to someone you want to hear from.

4) There are boxes which output RS-232 CID for interpretation by your
computer, etc.

5) Unfortunately this will be a surprise to most of you, but:  800 numbers
come with the implicit ability to obtain the number of the caller, either
real-time or with the monthly bill.  This DOES NOT rely on any technology
for CID - it is completely different and WILL work from any point to any
point, regardless of the availability of CID in those areas or the ability
of the CO switching protocal to pass CID to each other.  This is part of
the implicit billing system, NOT a new user feature.  Some business HAVE
used this to pull up caller credit accounts on their terminals the
instant they answer your customer-service call.

So much for "anonomously" calling those crime watch shows from home via
an 800 number.