Ref: 31/03
Date: 3 June 2003

The growth of new 118 directory enquiry services means that the current 192 directory enquiry service will end on 24 August, Oftel has announced today.

With up to one in five calls to directory enquiry services made to the new 118 DQ services in April, consumers are making increasing use of the wider range of directory enquiry services on offer.

Oftel has published today the statement 'The future use of legacy directory enquiry numbers' following consultation with the industry and consumer groups on arrangements for the end of directory enquiry services accessed from 192.

Peter Waller, Deputy Director General of Telecommunications said today:

"Consumers are already taking advantage of more choice and lower prices as a result of Oftel's decision to allow other companies to compete to provide directory enquiry services. Calls to some new directory enquiry services are typically half the price of BT's current 192 service.

"As a result of heavy advertising by service providers, up to one in five directory enquiry calls from BT's network were to one of the new 118 services in April. With other advertising campaigns planned, consumer awareness is set to increase.

"The period of parallel running of the current 192 number and the new 118 numbers will end on 24 August. From this date it will no longer be possible to access directory enquiry services from 192.

"There must be a smooth transition from the old to the new numbers in August, while ensuring that there is a level playing field between the different services. Callers to 192 will hear a recorded message giving a freephone number for information on an appropriate 118 directory enquiry service that people can use.

"It is essential that competition in the market is fair as well as fierce. A number of new entrants complained to Oftel that BT's practice of placing its new directory enquiry number on the front cover of its phone books gives it a significant advertising advantage that they cannot match.

"Following discussions with Oftel, BT has agreed to stop the printing and distribution of phone books carrying BT's new directory enquiry number on the cover while Oftel carries out a full investigation into this issue.

"I welcome BT's decision, as it means Oftel no longer has to consider whether interim measures under the Competition Act are necessary and can instead concentrate on the full investigation.

"Oftel is working closely with ICSTIS, the premium rate regulator, and where appropriate the Advertising Standards Authority, to ensure that advertising gives accurate cost information and does not mislead consumers.

"Oftel will continue to work with the industry to ensure that consumers are given clear information on the new directory enquiry services and that they have access to the widest range of choices on all networks."

Note to Editors

1. Oftel's statement The future use of legacy directory enquiry numbers is published on Oftel's website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/consumer/2003/dq0603.htm. Hard copies are available from the Oftel press office on 020 7634 8991 and to the public from Oftel's Research and Information Unit on 020 7634 8761.

2. Since December 2002 consumers have been able to use a range of different directory enquiry services using numbers beginning 118 XXX. So far 15 companies have begun offering directory enquiry services, with a range of features such as call completion and classified services.