VZW to begin selling customer calling info

VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.


Many customers probably won't see this letter because they thought it
was junk or a bill they already paid. We shouldn't have to opt out of
having our calling information sold for profit (people should have to
opt in if they want to). Unfortunately, this is simply the state of
affairs in this country in an age where our information is considered an
additional revenue stream to be bought and sold by all sorts of
businesses.

VZW claims they are doing this to:

"better serve your communication needs and to identify, offer and
provide products and services to meet your requirements..."


That's a steaming pile of you know what. They are doing it to get even
richer off your private data.

Other wireless carriers are already doing this, but I'm sorry to see VZW
has now jumped on the bandwagon. If you value the privacy of your
calling habits and don't think others should be profiting from selling
information about them, I highly encourage you to opt out of this
nonsense by calling:


1-800-333-9956


This is VZW's automated system for opting out. If you have multiple
lines on your account (e.g. Family Share), you can opt out all your
numbers in a single call.


Please consider passing this information on to anybody else you know who
uses Verizon Wireless.


For more information on this, see:

http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...FREE/71012004/
1002/FREE


For a scanned copy of the letter VZW sent out, see:

http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf



--Mike

In news:no-D0BCEB.14115014102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au
Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote:

> VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
> begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
> parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.

Are you quite certain that's what it said?

--
Bert Hyman St. Paul, MN bert@iphouse.com

"Michael Wise" <no@spam.invalid> wrote in message
news:no-D0BCEB.14115014102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au...
>
>
> VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
> begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
> parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
>
>
> Many customers probably won't see this letter because they thought it
> was junk or a bill they already paid. We shouldn't have to opt out of
> having our calling information sold for profit (people should have to
> opt in if they want to). Unfortunately, this is simply the state of
> affairs in this country in an age where our information is considered an
> additional revenue stream to be bought and sold by all sorts of
> businesses.
>
> VZW claims they are doing this to:
>
> "better serve your communication needs and to identify, offer and
> provide products and services to meet your requirements..."
>
>
> That's a steaming pile of you know what. They are doing it to get even
> richer off your private data.
>
> Other wireless carriers are already doing this, but I'm sorry to see VZW
> has now jumped on the bandwagon. If you value the privacy of your
> calling habits and don't think others should be profiting from selling
> information about them, I highly encourage you to opt out of this
> nonsense by calling:
>
>
> 1-800-333-9956
>
>
> This is VZW's automated system for opting out. If you have multiple
> lines on your account (e.g. Family Share), you can opt out all your
> numbers in a single call.
>
>
> Please consider passing this information on to anybody else you know who
> uses Verizon Wireless.
>
>
> For more information on this, see:
>
> http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...FREE/71012004/
> 1002/FREE
>
>
> For a scanned copy of the letter VZW sent out, see:
>
> http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf
>
>
>
> --Mike


Mikey "Wise" clearly isn't. This is a well known false rumor and in fact the
FCC website even mentions it currently.....

In article <wIidnZ_kq4XXEI_anZ2dnUVZ_i2dnZ2d@comcast.com>,
"Game Over" <go@> wrote:

> "Michael Wise" <no@spam.invalid> wrote in message

> >
> > VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> > customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
> > begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
> > parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
> >
> >
> > Many customers probably won't see this letter because they thought it
> > was junk or a bill they already paid. We shouldn't have to opt out of
> > having our calling information sold for profit (people should have to
> > opt in if they want to). Unfortunately, this is simply the state of
> > affairs in this country in an age where our information is considered an
> > additional revenue stream to be bought and sold by all sorts of
> > businesses.
> >
> > VZW claims they are doing this to:
> >
> > "better serve your communication needs and to identify, offer and
> > provide products and services to meet your requirements..."
> >
> >
> > That's a steaming pile of you know what. They are doing it to get even
> > richer off your private data.
> >
> > Other wireless carriers are already doing this, but I'm sorry to see VZW
> > has now jumped on the bandwagon. If you value the privacy of your
> > calling habits and don't think others should be profiting from selling
> > information about them, I highly encourage you to opt out of this
> > nonsense by calling:
> >
> >
> > 1-800-333-9956
> >
> >
> > This is VZW's automated system for opting out. If you have multiple
> > lines on your account (e.g. Family Share), you can opt out all your
> > numbers in a single call.
> >
> >
> > Please consider passing this information on to anybody else you know who
> > uses Verizon Wireless.
> >
> >
> > For more information on this, see:
> >
> > http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...FREE/71012004/
> > 1002/FREE
> >
> >
> > For a scanned copy of the letter VZW sent out, see:
> >
> > http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf
> >
> >
> >
> > --Mike
>
>
> Mikey "Wise" clearly isn't. This is a well known false rumor and in fact the
> FCC website even mentions it currently.....


Wow, you made a funny with my name. Impressive.


Are you saying the letter VZW themselves sent out [see link above] is a
hoax?



--Mike

In article <Xns99C9A962FBD29VeebleFetzer@216.250.184.7>,
Bert Hyman <bert@iphouse.com> wrote:

> In news:no-D0BCEB.14115014102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au
> Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote:
>
> > VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> > customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
> > begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
> > parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
>
> Are you quite certain that's what it said?


Read it for yourself and then connect the dots.



--Mike

Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote in
news:no-0D3431.15213914102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au:


>
>
> Are you saying the letter VZW themselves sent out [see link above] is
> a hoax?
>
>
>

I'll go out on a limb and say it's a hoax. CPNI laws require that
telecommunications companies use an 'opt-in' program, not a an 'opt-out'
program to use information in this manner. Verizon would be well aware of
these regulations and would not be willing to pay the fines for such a
brazen violation.

In news:no-796404.15222014102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au
Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote:

> In article <Xns99C9A962FBD29VeebleFetzer@216.250.184.7>,
> Bert Hyman <bert@iphouse.com> wrote:
>
>> In news:no-D0BCEB.14115014102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au
>> Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote:
>>
>> > VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
>> > customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going
>> > to begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to
>> > 3rd parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
>>
>> Are you quite certain that's what it said?
>
>
> Read it for yourself and then connect the dots.

"In order to better serve your communications needs and to identify,
offer and provide products and services to meet your requirements, we
need your permission to share this information among our affiliates,
agents and parent companies (including Vodafone) and their subsidiaries"

The intent is apparently for Verizon itself to advertise to you
(possibly using contractors) to sell you new services.

It all sounds rather internal to me.

--
Bert Hyman St. Paul, MN bert@iphouse.com

In article <r7ydndZ4cp50BY_anZ2dnUVZ_hjinZ2d@adelphia.com>,
Scott <how.do@you.do> wrote:

> Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote in
> news:no-0D3431.15213914102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au:
>
>
> >
> >
> > Are you saying the letter VZW themselves sent out [see link above] is
> > a hoax?
> >
> >
> >
>
> I'll go out on a limb and say it's a hoax. CPNI laws require that
> telecommunications companies use an 'opt-in' program, not a an 'opt-out'
> program to use information in this manner. Verizon would be well aware of
> these regulations and would not be willing to pay the fines for such a
> brazen violation.


Yet, VZW is suggesting in their letter than not opting out is the same
as consenting. I agree they have a warped interpretation of what opt-in
is.



See more dialog about this in today's Slashdot discussions:


http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/10/14/1844209


as well as yesterday's Engadget:


http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/1...isseminate-you
r-data-unless-you-opt-out/


--Mike

On 2007-10-14, Bert Hyman <bert@iphouse.com> wrote:
> In news:no-D0BCEB.14115014102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au
> Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote:
>
>> VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
>> customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
>> begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
>> parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
>
> Are you quite certain that's what it said?

He included this link to a scanned copy of the letter, here:

http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf

You can read it yourself. It doesn't say "sell" anywhere, but his
description otherwise matches my reading of the letter. It is also
worth while reading the "Your Privacy" section of the new Terms &
Conditions, which opts you back in if you ever get new service or
make a change to your account which requires signing a new contract.

Oh, and here's what the FCC says about the privacy requirements
they are trying to get your permission to waive:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/phoneaboutyou.html

Dennis Ferguson

In article <Xns99C9B45B8D2D5VeebleFetzer@216.250.184.7>,
Bert Hyman <bert@iphouse.com> wrote:


> >> > VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> >> > customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going
> >> > to begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to
> >> > 3rd parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
> >>
> >> Are you quite certain that's what it said?
> >
> >
> > Read it for yourself and then connect the dots.
>
> "In order to better serve your communications needs and to identify,
> offer and provide products and services to meet your requirements, we
> need your permission to share this information among our affiliates,
> agents and parent companies (including Vodafone) and their subsidiaries"
>
> The intent is apparently for Verizon itself to advertise to you
> (possibly using contractors) to sell you new services.
>
> It all sounds rather internal to me.


Read the rest of that paragraph (link to VZW letter previously provided)


"...we need your permission to share this information among our
affiliates, agents, and parent companies (including Vodaphone) and their
subsidiaries."


And then the next paragraph:


"You have the right to keep your CPNI private by 'opting out.' Unless
YOU PROVIDE US WITH NOTICE THAT YOU WISH TO OPT OUT [emphasis mine]
within 30 days of receiving this letter, we will assume that you give
the Verizon Companies the right to share your CPNI with the authorized
companies as described above. You may opt out by calling us at
1-800-333-9956 and following the recorded directions."




--Mike

On 2007-10-14, Scott <how.do@you.do> wrote:
> Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote in
> news:no-0D3431.15213914102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au:
>
>
>>
>>
>> Are you saying the letter VZW themselves sent out [see link above] is
>> a hoax?
>>
>
> I'll go out on a limb and say it's a hoax. CPNI laws require that
> telecommunications companies use an 'opt-in' program, not a an 'opt-out'
> program to use information in this manner. Verizon would be well aware of
> these regulations and would not be willing to pay the fines for such a
> brazen violation.

Here's what the FCC says:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/phoneaboutyou.html

Both "opt-in" and "opt-out" are allowed.

Dennis Ferguson

In article <slrnfh57ii.83.dcferguson@akit-ferguson.com>,
Dennis Ferguson <dcferguson@pacbell.net> wrote:


> >> VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> >> customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
> >> begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
> >> parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
> >
> > Are you quite certain that's what it said?
>
> He included this link to a scanned copy of the letter, here:
>
> http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf
>
> You can read it yourself. It doesn't say "sell" anywhere, but his
> description otherwise matches my reading of the letter. It is also
> worth while reading the "Your Privacy" section of the new Terms &
> Conditions, which opts you back in if you ever get new service or
> make a change to your account which requires signing a new contract.


VZW doesn't use the word "sell." (do you really think they would?). They
say "share."

However, do you really believe they are going to just give for free such
information to "affiliates, agents, and parent companies (including
Vodaphone) and their subsidiaries"?



--Mike

Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote in
news:no-6F8EB8.15442014102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au:

> In article <r7ydndZ4cp50BY_anZ2dnUVZ_hjinZ2d@adelphia.com>,
> Scott <how.do@you.do> wrote:
>
>> Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote in
>> news:no-0D3431.15213914102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au:
>>
>>
>> >
>> >
>> > Are you saying the letter VZW themselves sent out [see link above]
>> > is a hoax?
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>> I'll go out on a limb and say it's a hoax. CPNI laws require that
>> telecommunications companies use an 'opt-in' program, not a an
>> 'opt-out' program to use information in this manner. Verizon would
>> be well aware of these regulations and would not be willing to pay
>> the fines for such a brazen violation.
>
>
> Yet, VZW is suggesting in their letter than not opting out is the same
> as consenting. I agree they have a warped interpretation of what
> opt-in is.
>
>
>

Except, as already pointed out, Verizon is seeking to use the information
internally. So, your claim of Verizon "selling" the information is
incorrect. And your understanding of the contents of the letter is poor,
at best.

In article <rsqdndmhDvcRPI_anZ2dnUVZ_veinZ2d@adelphia.com>,
Scott <how.do@you.do> wrote:


> >> >
> >> > Are you saying the letter VZW themselves sent out [see link above]
> >> > is a hoax?
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >> I'll go out on a limb and say it's a hoax. CPNI laws require that
> >> telecommunications companies use an 'opt-in' program, not a an
> >> 'opt-out' program to use information in this manner. Verizon would
> >> be well aware of these regulations and would not be willing to pay
> >> the fines for such a brazen violation.
> >
> >
> > Yet, VZW is suggesting in their letter than not opting out is the same
> > as consenting. I agree they have a warped interpretation of what
> > opt-in is.
> >
> >
> >
>
> Except, as already pointed out, Verizon is seeking to use the information
> internally.


Internally? It would be internal if it was just VZW using the
information, however "affiliates, agents, and parent companies
(including Vodaphone) and their subsidiaries" goes way beyond internally.

What do you suppose constitutes "affiliates and agents"?


> So, your claim of Verizon "selling" the information is
> incorrect. And your understanding of the contents of the letter is poor,
> at best.

Pot, kettle,...you know the rest.



--Mike

Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote in news:no-
6F8EB8.15442014102007@c-61-68-245-19...connect.net.au:

> Yet, VZW is suggesting in their letter than not opting out is
the same
> as consenting. I agree they have a warped interpretation of
what opt-in
> is.
>
>

Just for fun I called the 800 number and opted out, even though
I'm an Alltel customer....(c;

If we try real hard, we might be able to make servicing the 800
reports more expensive than the money they're going to reap
selling your info to the spammers.

Larry
--
You can tell there's extremely
intelligent life in the universe
because they have never called Earth.

Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote in
news:no-5ABA11.16141314102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au:


>
>
> Internally? It would be internal if it was just VZW using the
> information, however "affiliates, agents, and parent companies
> (including Vodaphone) and their subsidiaries" goes way beyond
> internally.

Let's see- the parent companies already own the information. Their
affiliates and agents already have access to most of the information, as
they are the ones selling and servicing accounts. Looks pretty internal to
me.

>
> What do you suppose constitutes "affiliates and agents"?

Entities that sell Verizon Wireless service- that's the legal definition.
What else would it be, Einstein?

>
>
>> So, your claim of Verizon "selling" the information is
>> incorrect. And your understanding of the contents of the letter is
>> poor, at best.
>
> Pot, kettle,...you know the rest.

You're an idiot?

In article <lMudnS4ZNu2VO4_anZ2dnUVZ_q6hnZ2d@adelphia.com>,
Scott <how.do@you.do> wrote:


> > Internally? It would be internal if it was just VZW using the
> > information, however "affiliates, agents, and parent companies
> > (including Vodaphone) and their subsidiaries" goes way beyond
> > internally.
>
> Let's see- the parent companies already own the information. Their
> affiliates and agents already have access to most of the information, as
> they are the ones selling and servicing accounts. Looks pretty internal to
> me.
>
> >
> > What do you suppose constitutes "affiliates and agents"?
>
> Entities that sell Verizon Wireless service- that's the legal definition.
> What else would it be, Einstein?


What legal dictionary did you get that from?

Affiliate is a rather open-ended word...and can mean anybody they choose
to do business with for whatever purpose.

Ever been spammed by an "affiliate" who got your address from a company
you did business with? What makes you think VZW views "affiliates" any
differently than every other company out there.



> >> So, your claim of Verizon "selling" the information is
> >> incorrect. And your understanding of the contents of the letter is
> >> poor, at best.
> >
> > Pot, kettle,...you know the rest.
>
> You're an idiot?


Don't you have homework to do or zits to pop?


Play nice now.



--Mike

Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote in
news:no-4FF5C1.16361914102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au:

> In article <lMudnS4ZNu2VO4_anZ2dnUVZ_q6hnZ2d@adelphia.com>,
> Scott <how.do@you.do> wrote:
>
>
>> > Internally? It would be internal if it was just VZW using the
>> > information, however "affiliates, agents, and parent companies
>> > (including Vodaphone) and their subsidiaries" goes way beyond
>> > internally.
>>
>> Let's see- the parent companies already own the information. Their
>> affiliates and agents already have access to most of the information,
>> as they are the ones selling and servicing accounts. Looks pretty
>> internal to me.
>>
>> >
>> > What do you suppose constitutes "affiliates and agents"?
>>
>> Entities that sell Verizon Wireless service- that's the legal
>> definition. What else would it be, Einstein?
>
>
> What legal dictionary did you get that from?
>
> Affiliate is a rather open-ended word...and can mean anybody they
> choose to do business with for whatever purpose.
>
> Ever been spammed by an "affiliate" who got your address from a
> company you did business with? What makes you think VZW views
> "affiliates" any differently than every other company out there.
>
>
>
>> >> So, your claim of Verizon "selling" the information is
>> >> incorrect. And your understanding of the contents of the letter
>> >> is poor, at best.
>> >
>> > Pot, kettle,...you know the rest.
>>
>> You're an idiot?
>
>
> Don't you have homework to do or zits to pop?


Not since I got my Masters.

>
>
> Play nice now.
>
>

CPNI is VERY standard in the phone business.
It's been the law for a few years now.

You landline company does it exactly the same.
Probably worded almost identically as well.

This is a NON issue.


"Michael Wise" <no@spam.invalid> wrote in message news:no-D0BCEB.14115014102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au...
>
>
> VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
> begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
> parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
>
>
> Many customers probably won't see this letter because they thought it
> was junk or a bill they already paid. We shouldn't have to opt out of
> having our calling information sold for profit (people should have to
> opt in if they want to). Unfortunately, this is simply the state of
> affairs in this country in an age where our information is considered an
> additional revenue stream to be bought and sold by all sorts of
> businesses.
>
> VZW claims they are doing this to:
>
> "better serve your communication needs and to identify, offer and
> provide products and services to meet your requirements..."
>
>
> That's a steaming pile of you know what. They are doing it to get even
> richer off your private data.
>
> Other wireless carriers are already doing this, but I'm sorry to see VZW
> has now jumped on the bandwagon. If you value the privacy of your
> calling habits and don't think others should be profiting from selling
> information about them, I highly encourage you to opt out of this
> nonsense by calling:
>
>
> 1-800-333-9956
>
>
> This is VZW's automated system for opting out. If you have multiple
> lines on your account (e.g. Family Share), you can opt out all your
> numbers in a single call.
>
>
> Please consider passing this information on to anybody else you know who
> uses Verizon Wireless.
>
>
> For more information on this, see:
>
> http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...FREE/71012004/
> 1002/FREE
>
>
> For a scanned copy of the letter VZW sent out, see:
>
> http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf
>
>
>
> --Mike

On 2007-10-14, Michael Wise <no@spam.invalid> wrote:

> "You have the right to keep your CPNI private by 'opting out.' Unless
> YOU PROVIDE US WITH NOTICE THAT YOU WISH TO OPT OUT [emphasis mine]
> within 30 days of receiving this letter, we will assume that you give
> the Verizon Companies the right to share your CPNI with the authorized
> companies as described above. You may opt out by calling us at
> 1-800-333-9956 and following the recorded directions."

It's quasi-opt-in. They're giving you the chance to say no, but by default
the answer is yes. It's not true opt-in, which would not have a time limit.


--
Steve Sobol, Victorville, CA PGP:0xE3AE35ED www.SteveSobol.com

Wahoo! Indians beat New York to advance to the AL Championship Series!
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,5871580.story

"Ness_net" <richard@nomore.damn.spam.nessnet.com> wrote in message
news:iOKdnYjtEfMvW4_anZ2dnUVZ_ruqnZ2d@giganews.com ...
> CPNI is VERY standard in the phone business.
> It's been the law for a few years now.
>
> You landline company does it exactly the same.
> Probably worded almost identically as well.
>
> This is a NON issue.
>


Also good to note that anyone can list their cell number on the federal DNC
list.

In article <iOKdnYjtEfMvW4_anZ2dnUVZ_ruqnZ2d@giganews.com>,
"Ness_net" <richard@nomore.damn.spam.nessnet.com> wrote:

> CPNI is VERY standard in the phone business.
> It's been the law for a few years now.

Yes, but sharing CPNI with "affiliates" without the consent of the
consumer is not the law and is not (or at least, legally should not be)
the standard.


> You landline company does it exactly the same.
> Probably worded almost identically as well.
>
> This is a NON issue.


Then don't opt out. It's a non-issue to anybody who doesn't care about
their information being unethically bought and sold for profit without
their consent.



--Mike

>

> >
> > VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> > customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
> > begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
> > parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
> >
> >
> > Many customers probably won't see this letter because they thought it
> > was junk or a bill they already paid. We shouldn't have to opt out of
> > having our calling information sold for profit (people should have to
> > opt in if they want to). Unfortunately, this is simply the state of
> > affairs in this country in an age where our information is considered an
> > additional revenue stream to be bought and sold by all sorts of
> > businesses.
> >
> > VZW claims they are doing this to:
> >
> > "better serve your communication needs and to identify, offer and
> > provide products and services to meet your requirements..."
> >
> >
> > That's a steaming pile of you know what. They are doing it to get even
> > richer off your private data.
> >
> > Other wireless carriers are already doing this, but I'm sorry to see VZW
> > has now jumped on the bandwagon. If you value the privacy of your
> > calling habits and don't think others should be profiting from selling
> > information about them, I highly encourage you to opt out of this
> > nonsense by calling:
> >
> >
> > 1-800-333-9956
> >
> >
> > This is VZW's automated system for opting out. If you have multiple
> > lines on your account (e.g. Family Share), you can opt out all your
> > numbers in a single call.
> >
> >
> > Please consider passing this information on to anybody else you know who
> > uses Verizon Wireless.
> >
> >
> > For more information on this, see:
> >
> > http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...FREE/71012004/
> > 1002/FREE
> >
> >
> > For a scanned copy of the letter VZW sent out, see:
> >
> > http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf
> >
> >
> >
> > --Mike

All of the carefully worded legalize aside, there is only one reason for
Verizon (or any company) to do this. They think it will enhance their
bottom line. It may or may not help them provide better customer services.

There are already Federal and State laws against spamming cell phones. What
is less clear is how your information, once shared with "affiliates and
agents", will be handled. IMO "opt-in" provisions should be specific and
separate, not buried in license and service agreements that practically no
one reads, or in letters that are only sent to some customers. You should
have the right to keep your private information private.

Just to be on the safe side, I will be calling the "opt-out" phone number.


"Michael Wise" <no@spam.invalid> wrote in message
news:no-D0BCEB.14115014102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au...
>
>
> VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
> begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
> parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
>
>
> Many customers probably won't see this letter because they thought it
> was junk or a bill they already paid. We shouldn't have to opt out of
> having our calling information sold for profit (people should have to
> opt in if they want to). Unfortunately, this is simply the state of
> affairs in this country in an age where our information is considered an
> additional revenue stream to be bought and sold by all sorts of
> businesses.
>
> VZW claims they are doing this to:
>
> "better serve your communication needs and to identify, offer and
> provide products and services to meet your requirements..."
>
>
> That's a steaming pile of you know what. They are doing it to get even
> richer off your private data.
>
> Other wireless carriers are already doing this, but I'm sorry to see VZW
> has now jumped on the bandwagon. If you value the privacy of your
> calling habits and don't think others should be profiting from selling
> information about them, I highly encourage you to opt out of this
> nonsense by calling:
>
>
> 1-800-333-9956
>
>
> This is VZW's automated system for opting out. If you have multiple
> lines on your account (e.g. Family Share), you can opt out all your
> numbers in a single call.
>
>
> Please consider passing this information on to anybody else you know who
> uses Verizon Wireless.
>
>
> For more information on this, see:
>
> http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...FREE/71012004/
> 1002/FREE
>
>
> For a scanned copy of the letter VZW sent out, see:
>
> http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf
>
>
>
> --Mike

George <george@nospam.invalid> wrote:

> Don't stop there. I also sent a carefully worded feedback message
> about how it is just plain wrong to use any sort of "opt out"
> proposals.

Agreed so please also notify every bank, brokerage house, mortgage
company, public utility and corporation in the US because they're all
doing it. Maybe you just overlooked the notice from your bank?





--
XS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project:
http://improve-usenet.org

stevev wrote:
> All of the carefully worded legalize aside, there is only one reason for
> Verizon (or any company) to do this. They think it will enhance their
> bottom line. It may or may not help them provide better customer services.
>
> There are already Federal and State laws against spamming cell phones. What
> is less clear is how your information, once shared with "affiliates and
> agents", will be handled. IMO "opt-in" provisions should be specific and
> separate, not buried in license and service agreements that practically no
> one reads, or in letters that are only sent to some customers. You should
> have the right to keep your private information private.
>
> Just to be on the safe side, I will be calling the "opt-out" phone number.
>
>

Don't stop there. I also sent a carefully worded feedback message about
how it is just plain wrong to use any sort of "opt out" proposals.

You don't get it.... You are reading something into nothing...

They are not selling anything - to anyone.
This is a periodic CPNI notice they are required to send out by the FCC.
Nothing more.





"Michael Wise" <no@spam.invalid> wrote in message
news:no-8E2EB6.10373015102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au...
> In article <iOKdnYjtEfMvW4_anZ2dnUVZ_ruqnZ2d@giganews.com>,
> "Ness_net" <richard@nomore.damn.spam.nessnet.com> wrote:
>
>> CPNI is VERY standard in the phone business.
>> It's been the law for a few years now.
>
> Yes, but sharing CPNI with "affiliates" without the consent of the
> consumer is not the law and is not (or at least, legally should not be)
> the standard.
>
>
>> You landline company does it exactly the same.
>> Probably worded almost identically as well.
>>
>> This is a NON issue.
>
>
> Then don't opt out. It's a non-issue to anybody who doesn't care about
> their information being unethically bought and sold for profit without
> their consent.
>
>
>
> --Mike
>
>>
>
>> >
>> > VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
>> > customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
>> > begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
>> > parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
>> >
>> >
>> > Many customers probably won't see this letter because they thought it
>> > was junk or a bill they already paid. We shouldn't have to opt out of
>> > having our calling information sold for profit (people should have to
>> > opt in if they want to). Unfortunately, this is simply the state of
>> > affairs in this country in an age where our information is considered
>> > an
>> > additional revenue stream to be bought and sold by all sorts of
>> > businesses.
>> >
>> > VZW claims they are doing this to:
>> >
>> > "better serve your communication needs and to identify, offer and
>> > provide products and services to meet your requirements..."
>> >
>> >
>> > That's a steaming pile of you know what. They are doing it to get even
>> > richer off your private data.
>> >
>> > Other wireless carriers are already doing this, but I'm sorry to see
>> > VZW
>> > has now jumped on the bandwagon. If you value the privacy of your
>> > calling habits and don't think others should be profiting from selling
>> > information about them, I highly encourage you to opt out of this
>> > nonsense by calling:
>> >
>> >
>> > 1-800-333-9956
>> >
>> >
>> > This is VZW's automated system for opting out. If you have multiple
>> > lines on your account (e.g. Family Share), you can opt out all your
>> > numbers in a single call.
>> >
>> >
>> > Please consider passing this information on to anybody else you know
>> > who
>> > uses Verizon Wireless.
>> >
>> >
>> > For more information on this, see:
>> >
>> > http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...FREE/71012004/
>> > 1002/FREE
>> >
>> >
>> > For a scanned copy of the letter VZW sent out, see:
>> >
>> > http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > --Mike

In article <0t-dnfVnC72sdI7anZ2dnUVZ_u6rnZ2d@giganews.com>,
"Ness Net" <richard@nomore.damn.spam.nessnet.com> wrote:

> You don't get it.... You are reading something into nothing...

More like you are reading nothing into something.
>
> They are not selling anything - to anyone.
> This is a periodic CPNI notice they are required to send out by the FCC.
> Nothing more.


If this is a periodic notice from VZW, then why is it the first time
they've sent it?

Does the FCC require them to "share" their customers' data with
"affiliates"? What do you supposed "affiliates" will do with said data?
Do you believe VZW is "sharing" such data with affiliates for free? Does
the FCC require them to force customers to opt out from such low-brow
tactics if they do not wish to be part of it? Does the FCC define opt-in
as not responding to an buried-in-fine-print opt-out notice> How do you
define opt-in? What do you suppose constitutes an affiliate?


--Mike


> "Michael Wise" <no@spam.invalid> wrote in message
> news:no-8E2EB6.10373015102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au...
> > In article <iOKdnYjtEfMvW4_anZ2dnUVZ_ruqnZ2d@giganews.com>,
> > "Ness_net" <richard@nomore.damn.spam.nessnet.com> wrote:
> >
> >> CPNI is VERY standard in the phone business.
> >> It's been the law for a few years now.
> >
> > Yes, but sharing CPNI with "affiliates" without the consent of the
> > consumer is not the law and is not (or at least, legally should not be)
> > the standard.
> >
> >
> >> You landline company does it exactly the same.
> >> Probably worded almost identically as well.
> >>
> >> This is a NON issue.
> >
> >
> > Then don't opt out. It's a non-issue to anybody who doesn't care about
> > their information being unethically bought and sold for profit without
> > their consent.
> >
> >
> >
> > --Mike
> >
> >>
> >
> >> >
> >> > VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
> >> > customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going to
> >> > begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
> >> > parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Many customers probably won't see this letter because they thought it
> >> > was junk or a bill they already paid. We shouldn't have to opt out of
> >> > having our calling information sold for profit (people should have to
> >> > opt in if they want to). Unfortunately, this is simply the state of
> >> > affairs in this country in an age where our information is considered
> >> > an
> >> > additional revenue stream to be bought and sold by all sorts of
> >> > businesses.
> >> >
> >> > VZW claims they are doing this to:
> >> >
> >> > "better serve your communication needs and to identify, offer and
> >> > provide products and services to meet your requirements..."
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > That's a steaming pile of you know what. They are doing it to get even
> >> > richer off your private data.
> >> >
> >> > Other wireless carriers are already doing this, but I'm sorry to see
> >> > VZW
> >> > has now jumped on the bandwagon. If you value the privacy of your
> >> > calling habits and don't think others should be profiting from selling
> >> > information about them, I highly encourage you to opt out of this
> >> > nonsense by calling:
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > 1-800-333-9956
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > This is VZW's automated system for opting out. If you have multiple
> >> > lines on your account (e.g. Family Share), you can opt out all your
> >> > numbers in a single call.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Please consider passing this information on to anybody else you know
> >> > who
> >> > uses Verizon Wireless.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > For more information on this, see:
> >> >
> >> > http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...FREE/71012004/
> >> > 1002/FREE
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > For a scanned copy of the letter VZW sent out, see:
> >> >
> >> > http://skydeck.com/downloads/verizon...pni_notice.pdf
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > --Mike

You are overreacting - as I said previously.
CPNI is STANDARD in the telecommunications sector.
You local phone company has to comply - just like VZW does.

Quit playing Chicken Little - the sky is NOT falling.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/busine...tml?source=rss

"But the fears of imminent advertising pitches for pizza or car insurance
were based on a misreading of a cryptic notice the cell-phone carrier has
been mailing all its subscribers."

"Under the Federal Communications Commission's rules, companies must allow
customers to keep their personal data, like information on who they called
and for how long, inaccessible to other parts of the same company. And
companies must periodically notify subscribers of that right with notices
like the one Verizon has been sending out."

"It doesn't mean we're providing data to third-party advertisers, and it
would be illegal to do so," Nelson said.




"Michael Wise" <no@spam.invalid> wrote in message
news:no-3D5993.15362615102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au...
> In article <0t-dnfVnC72sdI7anZ2dnUVZ_u6rnZ2d@giganews.com>,
> "Ness Net" <richard@nomore.damn.spam.nessnet.com> wrote:
>
>> You don't get it.... You are reading something into nothing...
>
> More like you are reading nothing into something.
>>
>> They are not selling anything - to anyone.
>> This is a periodic CPNI notice they are required to send out by the FCC.
>> Nothing more.
>
>
> If this is a periodic notice from VZW, then why is it the first time
> they've sent it?
>
> Does the FCC require them to "share" their customers' data with
> "affiliates"? What do you supposed "affiliates" will do with said data?
> Do you believe VZW is "sharing" such data with affiliates for free? Does
> the FCC require them to force customers to opt out from such low-brow
> tactics if they do not wish to be part of it? Does the FCC define opt-in
> as not responding to an buried-in-fine-print opt-out notice> How do you
> define opt-in? What do you suppose constitutes an affiliate?
>
>
> --Mike
>
>
>> "Michael Wise" <no@spam.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:no-8E2EB6.10373015102007@c-61-68-245-199.per.connect.net.au...
>> > In article <iOKdnYjtEfMvW4_anZ2dnUVZ_ruqnZ2d@giganews.com>,
>> > "Ness_net" <richard@nomore.damn.spam.nessnet.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >> CPNI is VERY standard in the phone business.
>> >> It's been the law for a few years now.
>> >
>> > Yes, but sharing CPNI with "affiliates" without the consent of the
>> > consumer is not the law and is not (or at least, legally should not be)
>> > the standard.
>> >
>> >
>> >> You landline company does it exactly the same.
>> >> Probably worded almost identically as well.
>> >>
>> >> This is a NON issue.
>> >
>> >
>> > Then don't opt out. It's a non-issue to anybody who doesn't care about
>> > their information being unethically bought and sold for profit without
>> > their consent.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > --Mike
>> >
>> >>
>> >
>> >> >
>> >> > VZW sent out a letter dated October 12, 2007 to some/most/all their
>> >> > customers (I haven't received it yet) stating that they were going
>> >> > to
>> >> > begin sharing (selling) their customers' calling information to 3rd
>> >> > parties if their customers do not opt out of the process.
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > Many customers probably won't see this letter because they thought
>> >> > it
>> >> > was junk or a bill they already paid. We shouldn't have to opt out
>> >> > of
>> >> > having our calling information sold for profit (people should have
>> >> > to
>> >> > opt in if they want to). Unfortunately, this is simply the state of
>> >> > affairs in this country in an age where our information is
>> >> > considered
>> >> > an
>> >> > additional revenue stream to be bought and sold by all sorts of
>> >> > businesses.
>> >> >
>> >> > VZW claims they are doing this to:
>> >> >
>> >> > "better serve your communication needs and to identify, offer and
>> >> > provide products and services to meet your requirements..."
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > That's a steaming pile of you know what. They are doing it to get
>> >> > even
>> >> > richer off your private data.
>> >> >
>> >> > Other wireless carriers are already doing this, but I'm sorry to see
>> >> > VZW
>> >> > has now jumped on the bandwagon. If you value the privacy of your
>> >> > calling habits and don't think others should be profiting from
>> >> > selling
>> >> > information about them, I highly encourage you to opt out of this
>> >> > nonsense by calling:
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > 1-800-333-9956
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > This is VZW's automated system for opting out. If you have multiple
>> >> > lines on your account (e.g. Family Share), you can opt out all your
>> >&g