Even though a wireless directory assistance program hasn't come to fruition yet, some lawmakers are trying to think ahead. Legislation, dubbed The Wireless 411 Privacy Act, designed to keep wireless phone numbers off a 411 list if consumers so choose, was introduced yesterday by two members of the House.

Representatives Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Joseph Pitts, R- Pa., are calling for some limits to be put on a wireless directory assistance list. There are three main points to the bill: an opt-in feature; an opt-out feature; and a no-fees-for-unlisted-numbers feature. The opt-in feature for existing subscribers would require preauthorization from existing wireless subscribers before a number could be included on the list. The opt-out feature is for new subscribers and the no-fee clause prohibits fees from being assessed to wireless subscribers who decided to opt out of the service.

Until now, wireless subscribers have been able to "control the dissemination of their contact information," said Markey. And although some consumers will find this 411 service useful, Markey believes consumers will want the right to decide whether to be listed.

CTIA, the organization that plans to roll out the wireless 411 program some time next year, agrees with the Congressmen that consumer privacy should be paramount, but feels that The Wireless 411 Privacy Act is a bit premature given the fact that the program is still on the drawing board.

"Why now?" Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA, asked in a statement. "We are working aggressively to include strong consumer privacy protections as we continue to define a wireless directory assistance offering. The wireless industry has a long history of protecting consumers' privacy and we look forward to working with all members of Congress as we move forward," he said.