Local and long distance directory assistance (DA) is becoming increasingly expensive for residential telephone users, according to a new study released today by the Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC), the nations leading telecommunications-focused consumer group. The report, TRAC's TeleTips Consumer Guide to Telephone Directory Assistance Services, examined local and long distance directory assistance services offered by incumbent and competitive carriers in eight U.S. metropolitan areas. The study noted a large geographical discrepancy in the rates for local directory assistance using 4-1-1. For example, BellSouth subscribers in Atlanta pay $1.25 per listing for local 4-1-1 while Verizon customers in Washington, DC get five free listings per and pay only 39¢ per listing after five. Despite these differences, in all cases the cost of local 4-1-1 was cheaper than the $1.99 that AT&T charges for its competing "0-0 Info" and "10-10-ATT-00" directory assistance services. Long distance directory assistance accessed by dialing 555-1212 continues to be an expensive option for consumers, with prices ranging from 95¢ to $2.49 per call depending on the carrier that handles the call.

The cost of using directory assistance on a wireless phone has also increased for a number of carriers. Verizon Wireless increased the fee for wireless directory assistance by 26¢ from 99¢ to $1.25 per call since 2000. T-Mobile (formerly VoiceStream) increased their DA fee from 75¢ per call to $1.25 per call, though they now offer up to three listings as opposed to only one per call before. Nextel reduced their wireless directory assistance fee from $1.40 per call to $1.19 per call. While the price for Sprint PCS wireless directory assistance has remained at $1.25 per call, they now offer up to four listings per call instead of the three listings available in 2000. Airtime charges apply for directory assistance calls with all wireless carriers surveyed.

"Directory assistance costs can put a real dent in consumers' pocketbooks," said TRAC Chairman, Samuel A. Simon. "Callers should consider all their options before dialing directory assistance," said Simon.

Smart Alternatives for Directory Assistance

• Online white and yellow pages - These free services often include a "reverse lookup" feature along with maps and driving directions to the addresses associated with listed numbers. Many local phone companies' websites also offer this service. TRAC also has links to various online directory assistance resources on our website at www.trac.org/directory.
• Libraries - Consumers without an Internet connection can check at their libraries which often have directory assistance software available and national White and Yellow Page directories to use free of charge.
• Friends and relatives - Consumers should also consider calling a friend or relative to find a needed number, even if this requires a long distance call, since the cost of a five-minute call is almost certainly less expensive than a call to directory assistance.
• PDA - If you have been resisting purchasing a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), maybe the higher directory assistance rates will put you over the top. PDA's that sync with computer address books will put most of your phone numbers at your finger tips. This feature doesn't justify the cost of a PDA alone, but it is an added benefit of owning a device depending on how often you have been calling directory assistance.

To order copies of TRAC's TeleTips^TM charts, please visit www.trac.org or send $2 check or money order for the TeleTips Consumer Guide to Telephone Directory Assistance Services to PO Box 27279, Washington, D.C. 20005.

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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.