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Cellular Phones/phones in 2000 flashing caller name

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Expert: - 8/13/2009


Question
writer/author here, peppering you with another question of the semi-historical kind.  My novel is set in 2000; the characters are regularly shown using cell phones to call each other. No specific make, model, wireless carrier; analog or digital, no specifics. In this story, a phone is a phone, thankfully.  Was it possible in 2000 for any cell phones to have the capability to show the name of the person calling on the little screen?  I guess I'm asking, was there caller ID on cell phones, where the tiny screen could show NAME of caller?  thanks

Answer
In 2000, the caller ID came across the phone and if you had the number in your phone book, it matched to the phone book entry and displayed the name. It's still the same way today. Caller ID only passes the number to a cell phone, not the name. The name has to match up with the address book. So if your character doesn't know the caller, the name will not be available. Thanks and nice to hear from you again. Thanks. DebiN

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DebiN

Expertise

I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.

Experience

Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.

Organizations
I belong to several organizations

Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications

Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years

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