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. It’s in partnership with TARGUSinfo and aims at providing users with the identities of the people who are calling them.
With approximately 4.8 million subscribers nationwide as of September 30, 2008, 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.The underlying technology is simple. Whenever a call comes in, computers use a database to match the number to a name and then send the name to the customer’s phone. Rather than building its own system, MetroPCS turned to Targusinfo, a company that provides similar information to cable companies that offer home telephone service with caller ID. Screen-it, which will cost $2 for most customers, duplicates a popular feature that has been available for home phones since 1984.
