Got a call yesterday from a customer that I installed an SBX for a couple weeks ago. Upgraded from an Executech XE. He got CID on the lines about a week ago. Called and wanted to know why about half of the cell phone calls just say "Wireless Caller"?

I have noticed on my CID that if the customer is ATT, there is a name with the info, if it is Verizon, it says wireless. Never really gave it much thought until he vented his frustration. Not sure how T-Mobile and Sprint handle this issue, but here there is only basically service from ATT and Verizon. Anyone know why this would be? Seems kind of dumb now that I think about it.

My neighbor (retired guy) across the street uses a Tracfone, and his name appeared with the number. About 2 weeks ago, he got some kind of smartphone from Tracfone, and they transferred his service. Now when he calls, the CID also says wireless, so I suspect that the new phone is CDMA instead of GSM, requiring a switch to VZN.

Anyway now I've got that off my chest!, but if ATT can give names, how come VZN doesn't. With everyone moving to cells, might as well not even pay for the CID.

I believe it depends on the carrier's policies. Here, they are blocked unless you tell them to Xmit the info. Even then, all that goes out is the number. Not the name.

Funny ... i just spoke with a customer about this yesterday.

I am with Sprint and both name and number show up. Her Verizon phone only showed the number and "Wireless Caller"

Is it the telco or the wireless carrier that controls it?

I think it all depends what information is added to the LIDB. I've seen "Wireless Caller" or the name of the state that a telephone number is associated with appear on displays.

Verizon Wireless appears to have "Massachusetts" associated with my cellular number. The work cell phone my former employer had me use always showed up as "Wireless Caller". That phone was also Verizon Wireless, but, through a reseller.

Probably something that the cell phone subscriber should take up with their carrier. Anybody ever think to ask? I have Sprint and the CID displays COMSYSTEC Telecommunications on calls from all of our phones on the account. That's cause I requested it.

-Hal

I doubt the customer could ask every one who calls them to check with their subscriber. Sounds like they get what they get and their isn't much they can do about it.

Funny thing is she said it changed a couple of months ago and she used to get name and number from most callers.

Not saying she's wrong, but am saying I really doubt it. A lot of times customers assume things were one way when something else changes.

From what I understand caller ID works like this. The originating office sends the information (number) to the terminating office. Than the terminating office dips into it's data base to see who that number belongs to, that information is provided by the provider of the number from a universal data base, that's the information it sends out with the number as CID. So as we all know cell numbers are unlisted as far as name origin goes, so like Hal stated unless you ask that your information be put out there they will only put out the state, carrier, wireless or nothing whatever that carrier chooses as it's default and provides to the universal data base.

We have some CO techs on the board, if my explanation is incorrect they can let us know.

I don't think so Bill .... she said her husband used to show up with name and number and now he doesn't.

I suppose he may have changed cell plans.

Who knows ..... at least it isn't a phone system issue!!

Bill's description is correct. The LIDB dictates...mostly...what will show up on Caller ID displays. The only exception I can offer from personal experience is if a call from an at&t supported telephone number calls us. In those instances I will see the telephone number and the name of the state. But if the call comes from a Verizon supported number, the name will be displayed.