An Idea to Help Get Caller ID on the Road

Perhaps those on both sides of the fuss over caller ID could take a tip from the DMV, “Pac Bell May Hang Up on Caller ID” (July 14).

Although cars don’t display the owner’s addresses or phone number, they do display a unique ID that allows the authorities to identify the owner should the need arise.

So why not offer caller ID with the option of displaying a name or “handle” instead of your number? If the display showed something like “213 BUBBLES” or “818 SF FAN 3,” your friends and family could recognize you without you giving away your actual number.

And if you were being bothered by obscene calls, the police could still trace the “handle” through the phone company’s records, much as they now can trace car license numbers through the DMV.

And this might have advantages other than privacy. Many people remember names better than numbers. A family member away from home might be able to buy a secret code they can punch in to display their name regardless of where they’re calling from.

This scheme may require minor changes to the system, such as displays that can show letters as well as numbers. But it’s still early enough in the game that this shouldn’t be too traumatic.

TOM DIGBY

Los Angeles