Johannesburg, 14 Jun 1999
Vodacom cellular subscribers may have noticed recently that they are now able to view the telephone numbers of Telkom subscribers calling from fixed lines. This feature is called Calling Line Identification (CLI) and was previously only available on calls between cellphones.
"Following an agreement between Vodacom and Telkom CLI was enabled, CLI enables Vodacom subscribers to screen the majority of incoming calls and answer only those which are welcome. said Joan Joffe, group executive - corporate affairs of Vodacom.
The caller`s CLI is displayed on cellphone screens when calls are received and is usually the caller`s telephone number, although it can be customised by the receiver.
"Vodacom subscribers who are unable to view caller`s CLIs have to request that their Service Providers activate the Calling Line Identity Presentation (CLIP) service. An activation charge and/or a monthly fee may be levied by the Service Provider.
"Vodacom subscribers who require privacy can request the Calling Line Identity Restriction (CLIR) service from their Service Provider. This value-added service prevents the display of a Vodacom subscriber`s cellphone number on the phone that is being called.
"Subscribers may request CLIP on a permanent basis and CLIR on a per call basis. That is, incoming numbers will always be presented, unless the caller has restricted their number. And the presentation of the calling number made to other parties can be restricted as an option on a per call basis," said Ms Joffe.
Only the CLIs of Telkom customers connected to digital exchanges will be able to be viewed by Vodacom subscribers. However, about 80% of Telkom`s exchanges are now digital. Vodacom subscribers will also not be able to view the CLIs of Telkom customers who have restricted their display.
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