Understanding Communication Privacy: Unlisted Telephone Subscribers in the United States

A national survey of over 1500 American households was analyzed to identify demographic variables that can predict subscription to unlisted telephone service. The survey was conducted face-to-face among a stratified random sample of households. The demographic variables we identified that contribute to subscribership are (in order of importance) being an African-American, not owning a home, metropolitan residence, multifamily dwelling, lower education, and income. Characteristics commonly thought to be important, such as being young, female, having kids, or being a professional or manager, were not statistically significant variables when considered with the others. Our findings suggest that unlisted service may not only be valued by subscribers as a way to cut problem calls, but also to reduce general accessibility by outsiders. Based on this analysis, we advance new service concepts that might still provide value of reduced accessibility but also allow customers to enjoy benefits of selective interactio...