[nagdu] nagdu using 911 for access denial?

[Buddy Brannan]

Hi Gary,

Undoubtedly, this is an unpopular and minority opinion, but I don't believe we are entitled to free directory assistance on our cellphones, nor should we ask for it. Here's my reasoning. 

Originally, the free directory assistance was set up by the phone companies as an equivalent service. Since we can't read the telephone directory, provided by the telephone company, we would be given a service equivalent to the free telephone directory; namely, the ability to call directory assistance to ask for the number which we cannot look up ourselves. 

Since no cell phone company gives out telephone directories as part of that phone service, what we would begetting by asking for free directory assistance is not an equivalent service to replace one we cannot access, but an unfair and unequal benefit that is not available to the general public. We are not, in fact, asking for an equivalent service to level the playing field, as it were, but for a special benefit. What justification do we have for needing such a benefit? OK, there are still telephone directories we can't read, but why is that the phone company's problem? Especially in light of tools available to all, such as online telephone directories? Why should the phone company absorb this cost, small as it may be, on our behalf? Do we want equality, or do we want special treatment? I would suggest that we shouldn't ask for special treatment where such treatment is not warranted, unless we are prepared to not be afforded equal and first-class citizenship. 
--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY



On Aug 10, 2011, at 6:15 PM, GARY STEEVES wrote:

> Hello everyone:
> 
> I'm not sure if you are able to do this in the united states but in canada I have talked with my cell phone provider, explaining that I am visually impaired and unable to access normal directories. I have been able to get them to provide free 411 (information) on my cell phone. It is charged and then refunded in typical cell phone billing confusion. :)
> I'm pretty sure that I've heard on other technology lists I have been on that cell phone providers in the states would do this as well. Regardless though, it is a good practice to have the non-emergency police number in your phones contacts. (I need to do this myself)
> 
> Gary
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire <orleans24 at comcast.net>
> Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 2:44 pm
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] nagdu  using 911 for access denial?
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> 
>> Hi, Marion,
>> Excellent and great suggestion.
>> I've used directory assistance on my cel phone before which did help.
>> As for the price of directory assistance, it actually went up to 
>> $1.50 here in Colorado.
>> am not sure about it in other states here in the U.S.
>> I have my local Fire Department, Paramedic and Police 
>> Departments programmed into my contacts on my cel phone.
>> If I remember correctly but probably don't 9 1 1 is also 
>> programmed to where I just speed dial by pressing the 9key and 
>> holding it down to where I'll automatically get connected.
>> Toll free numbers are great for organizations as it does help 
>> cut down on long-distance charges.
>> Bibi and retired Odie
>> the happy spirited bounty labra wolf
>> because he behaves like a wolf at times 
>> 
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