Dialing a name: alphabetic entry through a telephone keypad

Problem:---The standard home telephone has an extremely limited user interface device (few keys, no 'Q' or 'Z' etc.)--- People are reluctant to read manuals, remember codes or use prompt cards--- Given these, is it possible to provide sopisticated character-based features such as personal directories on basic residential sets, and with the right interface, would people be able to use them without documentation support?