Possible to block my phone number but NOT my name?

I prefer keep my phone number as private as possible. Therefore, I have "Settings" - "Phone" - "Show My Caller ID" set to off. When I call someone, they normally get "Private Name, Private Number". I'm curious if there is a way to block ONLY my number, but allow my name to go through?

Any tips or advice are appreciated. Thanks.

Dell, Windows Vista, NA

Posted on May 4, 2009 6:34 AM

Reply
3 replies

Jul 25, 2009 8:48 PM in response to jfarr_21

CallerID on all networks across the known universe is handled locally on each network.

Each carrier, when they receive a call, checks their own database of names and if they get a match on the inbound callerID, they display the name.

The "big guys" hand off name/phone databases in the background through secure channels (no small companies and certainly no individuals).

So, when you see a "Name" on your callerid screen, it is because that name matched up to the callerid NUMBER that was sent. Without the number, there can be no name to match up on the local database.

I build VOIP Telephone systems for a living. We can broadcast (literally) any phone number/name we want when making a call. The name is ignored. The number, however is what appears on the CallerID screen. If that number matches with a name in your provider's name/number database (acquired from their provider or one of the big companies), the name will appear instead ... IF you have paid for name service.

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Possible to block my phone number but NOT my name?

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