Access to incoming sms (non-port) and phone functionality

Question

I've been reading a lot about the inability for J2ME apps to access incoming SMS (if they aren't directed to a specific port #) and other phone functionality (like contacts data database, call status, etc.).
Has that changed at all or is that still an issue with J2ME?
Thanks.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it's not as simple as you think.  When caller-ID was developed, the Bell System was one big happy system. The telephone switches were all under the control of responsible companies.  The caller-ID protocol and system was setup assuming trusted entities through the link.
Since then, the telephone system has greatly diversified and merged with data communications.  Now, we have VoIP services that interconnect with telephone services.  There is no provision in the caller-ID system to verify the source of the data.  It is trivial for someone to use VoIP to feed bogus caller-ID data into the existing system.
This can be fixed with regulation by the FCC and money spent by the telephone companies, however in this economic and political climate it is unlikely.
Annoying realities of life in the modern era.
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