Intelius Inc., a start-up that launched online directory assistance for cellphone numbers, has shut the service after complaints from consumers and Verizon Wireless.

Intelius had 90 million numbers in its database, according to its website, and was selling them for $15 (U.S.) each to anyone who had a name and wanted a number.

The company said in a statement that it has discontinued the directory service due to "consumer feedback.'’

Verizon Wireless called on Intelius last Tuesday to stop selling the numbers.

"This is a violation of Americans’ privacy.

"People expect their cellphone numbers to remain private," Steve Zipperstein, Verizon Wireless’s general counsel, said in the statement.

Intelius still operates a reverse cellphone number search, which reveals names for a given number.