118 is a mess !!!

NitroNutter · 18-03-2005, 10:28

addy

I allways said this would be how it would end up. since 118 started I think iv used the service twice absolute maximum.

why ?

1. I really dont know all the numbers for this service
2. I have no clue on their charges which could possibly change and to monitor several companies for an occasional call would be futile and a complete waste of time spent
3. I didnt use it that much anyway maybe 10-20 times a year but at least that was more than once a year

STONEISLAND · 18-03-2005, 10:31

They should never of allowed computation. should have stayed with BT as 192.

andygrif · 18-03-2005, 10:32

Public confusion. Higher charges. No innovation in service.

Who could have seen that coming?

It was, however, a masterstroke in marketing. The two winners are the two who threw the most money at advertising their product. And we're the ones who end up paying for it.

NitroNutter · 18-03-2005, 10:36

At the end of the day imo it would have been better to keep it to the phone companies only on a simpler method

192 got you thru to your providers DE
118 could have been added to get you through to the alternative if you desired their service instead

ie you have BT as your provider 192 gets you BT service where as 118 would get you in my area its NTL is the alternative, and if NTL was my provider then it would be vice versa

Stuart · 18-03-2005, 11:37

IIRC the reasons given for the 118 services were that it makes it easer for the customers and offers more services.

Not sure how dialling a six digit number (even assuming you don't need to look it up) is easier than dialling a three digit number.

Regarding extra services. Well, some of the 118 companies do offer extra services (train times, hotel booking, calling etc), but, TBH, most of the info they give is availale for FREE on the web, and regarding the calling service (which they charge for), well, it's not too difficult to note or remember the number and dial it yourself.

No, these services were created for one purpose. So the Government (in the form of OFTEL/OFCOM) could licence out something else and make loads of money from it.

18-03-2005, 11:37

I've used the service twice, and even though I gave the specific name and address of the person/company I wanted the number for, The Number came back with the reply that there was no listing for that person/company. Total waste of time and money...... Useless shower.

Stuart W · 18-03-2005, 13:08

I just heard on the radio that it now costs MORE to call directory enquiries than ever before and the service is LESS efficient, with people being on thephone an average 20% longer.

zoombini · 18-03-2005, 13:35

And they put you through, costing you more without asking you if you want that.
You also do not get to ask for your second number...

Xaccers · 19-03-2005, 01:20

Remember this the next time TB gets up and says "people want choice"
No we don't, we want to have the best.

NitroNutter · 19-03-2005, 09:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaccers

Remember this the next time TB gets up and says "people want choice"
No we don't, we want to have the best.

LoL, its really a case of too much choice in some things just creates a ridiculous mess, like how many 118 #'s and fees d you know from the 100+ firms there are. and being theres so many firms with limited custom all they can do is put prices up to get any profit.

The end of the day one of the main reasons fees were even introduced into 192 is because stupid greedy firms were requesting 100's of #'s in a call. They should have just took a policy of refusing such requests and kept it a free service.

SMHarman · 19-03-2005, 13:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by scastle

Regarding extra services. Well, some of the 118 companies do offer extra services (train times, hotel booking, calling etc), but, TBH, most of the info they give is availale for FREE on the web, and regarding the calling service (which they charge for), well, it's not too difficult to note or remember the number and dial it yourself.

But it is easier to call a number from your average mobile not surf the web if you need a train time. I often find it difficult to get on line in a Bus on the way to the train station at 1115 at night.

jrhnewark · 20-03-2005, 16:14

Just a little point, the cheapest appears to be 118848. 27p per call, no charge per minute, and upto three searches.

Richard M · 20-03-2005, 17:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrhnewark

Just a little point, the cheapest appears to be 118848. 27p per call, no charge per minute, and upto three searches.

That's actually run by 118888, who I work for.

jrhnewark · 20-03-2005, 18:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard M

That's actually run by 118888, who I work for.

But that's 49p + 9p a minute... OK, unlimited searches, but it still doesn't warrant those prices!

Not a go at you, Richard - but these companies really are taking advantage of people who just dial the one they can think of!

Chris W · 20-03-2005, 21:42

www.yell.co.uk

I don't think i've ever phoned directory enquiries since having the internet....