Also, back then, it wasn't feasible for random people online to put your information into endless databases to be called on repeat by auto-dialers. Back when phone books were prevalent was not the same world. It is an excellent point that phone numbers (and even addresses!) were considered public for a long time. However, I think there is plenty reason for the conscious consumer to want their number to be more private, in light of where we are today. Today, someone can use your phone number and address to steal your identity, harass you, use it to get more information, etc.