Nonpublished Vs. Unlisted Phone Numbers

An unlisted phone number does not get listed in a telephone directory. If a number is unpublished or nonpublished, the phone company cannot sell or share it with other companies.

Selling and Listing Numbers

According to PrivacyAlerts.org., a phone company can sell or share an unlisted number with other companies, and it can list an unpublished number. Most customers have phone numbers that are both listed and published.

New Phone Service

A new phone customer can choose a number that is unlisted, unpublished or both. The two represent separate options. The phone company should give the customer the opportunity to choose one or both at the time of application. The customer can also send in a written request.

Existing Numbers

Existing customers can change their phone numbers to unlisted, unpublished or both. Customers should call their providers to make the request.

References

• Privacy Alerts: Keep Your Phone Number Unlisted and Unpublished