LG Wireless Phone

Why is a subpoena required to obtain call records on my own home phone from Qwest? ATT provides it online??

Public Comments

1. Telephone carriers are bound by law to protect and not disclose any personal identifiable personal information pertaining to customers. No one can obtain your telephone records without the legitimate consent of the telephone service subscriber (you). But, how do they know it is actually "you" requesting your own personal records? You can't just call them up and say "I want to see my phone transaction records". Every day, people impersonate other people in order to gain access to their personal information...... this is why the law exists. "This is called "pretexting" or posing as the actual customer or a law enforcement official to obtain telephone calling records." Pretexting is now punishable by law with a prison sentence of up to 10 years in jail. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/fcc_phone_privacy.html Therefore, you must "prove" that you are who you say you are before they can release any personal information. You have to do this in person at the telephone company office. Or, have previously been authorized a password to use when requesting your confidential information. Qwest is required by law to provide customer account information upon request. But you have to prove you are the customer in question. And, they will probably charge you a fee for the service..... it is extra work on their part. But, if they don't let you see the records, don't feel too bad.... they refused to give records to the NSA (National Security Agency) for wanting to snoop on you too: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2006/051206-qwest-praised-for-declining-nsa.html http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-05-12-hayden-support_x.htm That said, there a some VoIP telecom service providers that allow customers to view thier complete telephone calling history for the past 1-3 months, online. I subscribe to both InPhonex and CallCentric. Both of these VoIP services provide online web account access. I can see my complete call history for the past few months at any time I want.... all I have to do is login to my account and run my own report.