November 8, 2000, Washington, D.C. -- On October 26th, TRAC issued a press release that MCI Worldcom raised its rate for long distance directory assistance from $1.49 to $1.99. At the time, it was our understanding that this increase took place October 1st or November 1st, depending on what area of the country you live in. The press release didn't make clear the distinction between directory assistance for intrastate (within a state) long distance directory assistance and interstate (between states) long distance directory assistance.

TRAC has since discovered that the news is worse than we originally thought. The fact is that the increase in rates for INTERSTATE directory assistance actually took effect three or four months ago. The changes in MCI Worldcom rates mentioned in the last release were for INSTATE directory assistance. The increases in instate directory assistance were phased in throughout the states and took effect in the last 23 states on November 1st. Now it will cost you $1.99 to get a directory assistance listing with MCI Worldcom, whether the number is in or out of state.

TRAC suggests that consumers consider two lower cost options. MCI Worldcom's 10-10-9000 is 99 cents and you get two listings, instead of the one you get when you dial 555-1212. Second, consider national 411 offered by your local phone company. The price is anywhere from 85 cents to 95 cents per call, with two numbers per-call.

Consumers can also use online directory assistance services. On TRAC's website (www.trac.org), we have links to many free online directory assistance lookups. TRAC also publishes the Teletips TM Directory Assistance Chart every few months that outlines the rates for directory assistance charged by 8 major carriers. To order, send a $1.00 check or money order and a self addressed stamped envelope with 55 cents postage to TRAC, P.O. Box 27279, Washington, D.C. 20005. Or visit TRAC's site and click on "Order TRAC Publications." You can order an electronic or hard copy and pay with a credit card.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

John Breyault, TRAC, johnb@trac.org, 202-263-2943

ABOUT TRAC:

The Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC), founded in 1983, is a non-profit membership organization based in Washington, DC that promotes the interests of residential telecommunications customers. TRAC staff researches telecommunications issues and publishes rate comparisons to help consumers make informed decisions regarding their long distance and local phone service options. TRAC can be found on the web at http://www.trac.org.