22/08/2003

192 directory enquiries to be replaced on Sunday

New numbers for directory enquiries will replace 192 on Sunday when the numbers, which all begin with 118, will come into force at one minute past midnight.

People who call 192 after the switchover will hear a recorded message giving a freephone number for information on the new 118 services. The message on 192 will continue for 10 months to allow plenty of time for consumers to get used to dialling the new numbers.

There are strict guidelines to ensure that companies provide clear price information in their advertising, and tell people there is a charge for connecting them to the number they have enquired about.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications at Oftel, said: "Similar experiences in countries such as Germany and Ireland show that consumers very quickly get used to dialling the new numbers and start reaping the benefits of lower prices and a choice of services.

"And the main benefit of competition is that consumers can vote with their feet - choosing the provider who offers the best service for their needs, based on price, type of service or both."

People can compare prices of the new services by visiting either www.newdirectoryenquiries.com or www.118info.org.uk or using the leaflets being distributed with all new BT phonebooks.

The 195 service for customers unable to use a conventional phone book due to disability will remain unchanged.

(gmcg)

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