Contact data in a phonebook database for a personal communication device are remotely updateable from, or transferable between, a computer system using a wireless radio frequency connection. New contact data, and changes or updates to existing contact data, are input at the computer system or the personal communication device and may be utilized in the personal communication device to initiate contact with other communicants. Contact data including name, telephone number, address, sound or image information associated with actual or potential communicants is transferred between a computer system and a personal communication device utilizing a wireless radio frequency connection. The personal communication device can be a cellular telephone, PDA or pager, and may also include interfaces for local programming of contact data from a removable keyboard. Additionally, updates and transfers between a computer system may be or an infrared interface for local updates and transfer of contact data between a computer system.