CallerID devices have been able to automatically match a name stored in the device to the incoming telephone number and display it on the device since 1984. A new feature, Screen-it, developed by MetroPCS Communications, allows wireless subscribers to see the name of the caller even if his/her name is not saved in the phone.
MetroPCS claims to be the first to offer such a service on wireless phones in the United States. With Screen-it, wireless consumers can see the name of who is calling before they answer the call, even if it’s an unknown caller.
The Screen-it feature allows consumers to manage incoming calls by identifying the caller’s name before answering a call. Call screening is drastically improved when unknown caller names are shown that are not already stored in the phone’s personal contact list, the company said.
“The new Screen-it service is a core part of MetroPCS’ landline replacement strategy as it offers our customers the same standard features that they enjoy on the landline telephone,” said Tom Keys, chief operating officer, MetroPCS, in a statement. “Being the first to introduce this service demonstrates MetroPCS’ commitment to providing the best wireless service to its customers.”
TARGUSinfo (News - Alert), a provider of callerID name services for telephone and cable companies, has been chosen as the provider of caller name services for Screen-it. MetroPCS plans to start the service this month. MetroPCS said it would include select wireless packages in Screen-it and provide it as an enhanced option available to add a la carte for other packages.
Caller name identification has been the favorite feature for many wireless phone users. According to a study conducted by Harris Interactive (News - Alert) on behalf of TARGUSinfo in 2007, about 79 percent of those surveyed said they would use caller name identification service for wireless handsets.
With approximately 4.8 million subscribers nationwide as of September 30, 2008, MetroPCS, one of the largest wireless telecommunications networks in the U.S., hopes Screen-it will enhance consumer demand for MetroPCS' affordable, unlimited, no signed contract, flat-rate wireless service.
MetroPCS owns or has access to licenses to provide unlimited wireless communications service to a population of approximately 149 million people in 14 of the top 25 largest metropolitan areas in the United States.
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Rajani Baburajan is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Rajani's articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by Mae Kowalke
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