In message , Alan
writes
In message , Hugo Nebula
wrote

Which is a pain for real callers from behind switchboards like myself.

Reputable companies and organisations don't hide phone numbers.

Yes they do. A lot of NHS establishments have their number withheld.
The reason being that one member of a family may not wish another member
to know that they are in contact with the hospital, or which ever part
of the NHS. It is easier for the caller to ask for who they want and if
they are not there then give a cover story if their number is not
displayed.

Also some large companies do not display their number, otherwise the
switch board gets inundated with "someone called me 3 hours ago, no I
don't know who!" OK if they could forward a DDI No, but not sure that
many can.

At one time the local police control room was number withheld, probably
still is, for similar reasons to the reason given above. They kept a
mobile for calling people, like myself, that bar withheld numbers.



--
Bill