In Defense of Disposable Cell Phones

SomeoneYouDontKnow writes: "Disposable cell phones are finally hitting the market, and it sure is refreshing to see a major media outlet like the Los Angeles Times debunk the insane rush toward a surveillence state as promoted by John Ashcroft. Read this column by Dave Wilson for a sensible breath of fresh air." Thoughtful points made here -- the payphone analogy rings true to me.

Comments

Big Deal

[CaptainZapp]

In Europe (Switzerland) GSM phones with a prepaied SIM can be purchased at most gas stations. If you want to pay cash, nothing more is required then a 100 francs bill. Refills can be purchased at ticket vending machines at virtually every train station (no, they don't take a photo, when you pay cash)

The only disadvantage is, that outgoing calls are fairly expensive. Else then that, no restrictions apply (even international roaming works just fine).

Incoming calls are not only possible and free, one of the carriers even offers a measly (3cents or so) per minute reward for incoming calls.

A couple years ago the federal district attourney required, that purchasers of pre-payed cell phones can be identified. That idea was given up, since - although the palament agreed that it is an inconvenience for law enforcement - the bureaucratic hassle and the impact on commerce outweighed the federal cowboys' concerns.

Interestingly enough Switzerland doesn't seem to be infested by evil wrong-doers and grass can be bought (well not quite legally, but almost) in a couple hundred shops around the country. You don't need an anonymous cell phone to buy drugs.

Methinks, that the current histerya visible in the US is not very effective in combating the evil ones. It seems to be very effective though, in reducing everybodies quality of life.