Ref:  48/03
Date: 22 August 2003

If you are calling directory enquiries after midnight on Sunday 24 August, make sure you dial one of the new numbers starting 118.

At one minute past midnight on Sunday, the new 118 numbers will replace 192 altogether, allowing consumers to take advantage of new services and lower prices for their directory enquiries calls.

Callers to 192 from a BT line and most other networks will hear a recorded message informing them of the change and giving a freephone number for information on an appropriate 118 directory enquiries service.

And to avoid confusion there are strict guidelines enforced by ICSTIS, the premium rate regulator, to ensure that companies provide clear price information in their advertising, and if your call is onward connected.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications said today:

"For the first time consumers have real choice when calling directory enquiries. They are no longer stuck with the service provided by their network operator – whatever the cost or the level of service provided.

"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.

"To help consumers make their choice they can get more information, and compare prices of the new services by visiting either www.newdirectoryenquiries.com or www.118info.org.uk or use the leaflets being distributed with all new BT phonebooks."

Notes to editors

1. Since December 2002 consumers have been able to use a range of different directory enquiries services using numbers beginning 118 XXX.

2. Oftel's statement The future use of legacy directory enquiry numbers was published on 3 June 2003 and sets out the arrangements for the handling of the legacy DQ numbers (192 for national directory enquiries and 153 for international directory enquiries) after the end of the parallel running period. The statement is available on Oftel's website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/consumer/2003/dq0603.htm.

3. The message on 192 will continue for ten months to allow plenty of time for consumers to get used to dialling the new numbers.

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

5. All directory enquiries services must operate under the ICSTIS Code of Practice when they advertise their directory enquiries service. ICSTIS is the premium rate service regulator and has special rules about how pricing information should be displayed on advertisements to avoid consumer confusion. Complaints about directory enquiries services can be made to ICSTIS on 0800 500212 or by e-mail through the website at www.icstis.org.uk. ICSTIS press calls should be made to 07973 172735.