The question of the week on directories and cell phones

Have you noticed that there has never been a directory for cell phone numbers? And if you search on the canada411.ca website, you will find residential phone numbers, but no cell numbers. You will have the same result by calling the operator at 411.

Why is there no public directory for cell phones?

In Canada, even if it has the power to do so, the CRTC does not require cellular service providers to distribute a directory, as is currently the case for residential telephony.

In addition, your cell phone number is considered "personal information" under federal law, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. It is also subject to Quebec law, the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector.

Result: no company will publish your cell phone number if you have not specifically given your consent.

In addition, your mobile phone number may appear in the general directory only if… your provider offers this option.

This is possible, for example, if you are a Bell Mobility customer. You'll pay $65 when you sign up, and then a monthly fee that varies between $3.70 and $6.75, depending on where you live.

But Rogers and Videotron, they confirm that they do not offer this service to individuals.

If, during your research, you find a company's cell phone number in the phone book, know that this is a service that Yellow Pages Group offers to its corporate clients. On the other hand, confirms the group, it does not directly offer services to individuals. So, no need to call the Yellow Pages directly: it's really your supplier who must relay your request.

Journalist: François SancheResearch journalist: Isabelle Roberge