Free Directory Enquiry Calls
The UK Directory Enquiry Service became free again this month.
An official report by the National Audit Office said the switch to 118 from the old 192 service was an expensive flop that left consumers out of pocket and failed to improve service.
Hopefully the launch of 0800 100 100 will be the first nail in the coffin for rip-off 118 so-called providers that replaced the original free British Telecom 192 directory enquiry service. although BT have offered free directory enquiries online for at www.bt.com since the abolition of the 192 service which has been reasonably fast if you have a reasonable broadband connection.
You are required to listen to a 20-second advert but that is a small price to pay considering the long delays experienced on pay per second sevices – 40% of users thought 118 operators unnecessarily prolonged conversations to boost revenues.
Calls from landlines, cable networks and even mobiles will be free and answered by real people based in the UK rather than machines and international call centres.
Update see Comment by john smith — March 12, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
Have you tried it? “We are sorry this site is currently over subscribed but you can call our sister company on 118 ……” At 20:38hrs on a Thursday evening? How many calls does it take to “over subscribe” their system?? Clearly a rip off.
The service will be sustained by advertising. Enquirers will be expected to listen to a short message – twenty seconds – before they receive their information however top banana thinks this much better than the existing average call cost of 78p – over 378 million calls to directory enquiries in the UK annually – you do the maths.
Top Banana 
February 12, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I would rather hear a quick advert that have to see those idiots in fake mustaches running around on the television shouting about 118118!
April 16, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you really understand what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly also discuss with my web site =). We will have a hyperlink alternate agreement among us
May 9, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Great blog right here! Additionally your site lots up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate link on your host? I want my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
July 17, 2013 at 8:02 am
Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the ultimate phase 🙂 I maintain such information a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thanks and best of luck.