Consumers are unaware of how much costs to directory enquiries services can costs, with over two thirds of people expecting calls to cost less than £1 and a number of people expecting calls to be free, like when they phone 0800 numbers.
A survey for a free directory enquiries website has found that many people underestimate the costs, especially as mobile call charges can vary considerably depending on your network.
The research looked at the costs of getting numbers from the two biggest directory enquires numbers – 118 118 and BT’s 118 500 service, and found that a 45 second call to both of these providers will cost up to £2.04 for T Mobile customers. A call to 118 188 from a landline will cost £1.61 whilst the same call to 118 500 will cost £1.88.
The costs increase even more if you ask to be put through to the number you’ve requested, with a five minute call from a landline to 118 188 costing £3.71 and £8.83 from 118 500, which is more than double. Mobile costs are even higher, with Orange charging £4.74, O2 £8.80, Vodafone £12 and T Mobile calls costing an eye watering £12.24.
Ofcom are currently looking into the regulation of non-geographic phone numbers, which includes both 118 and 0800 numbers.
Choose 0800 numbers for your business
0800 numbers are a great tool for businesses for a number of reasons. If you choose to move your offices, you don’t have to change your 0800 numbers or update your stationary. It is also good for customer relations as it not only allows your customers to call you for free, 0800 numbers are also more memorable and make your business seem more professional.
