The Pennsylvania Supreme Court at one point declared that caller ID violated state wiretapping laws, but the state has more recently allowed caller ID, provided callers can block the number at no extra charge. And long distance carriers have declined to pass caller ID through to local telcos. So only large businesses with fancy connections get caller ID on interstate calls. Despite the hurdles, caller ID is advancing rapidly. In March the Federal Communications Commission issued a sensible order that will eventually require caller ID handoff between carriers.
Big money is at stake.
Big telemarketing companies caught on in the last year or two. Most of the rest of the business world will soon. Connect the Octus Personal Telecommunications Assistant to a phone line and a serial port on your Windows-equipped computer. Install the software and import a few dozen key names and phone numbers into the electronic Rolodex. Then order caller ID from the phone company.