Some 118 directory enquiry services cost £1.27 per minute! ............... Be smart, click on this array to go to BT's "Free" online directory enquiries web page ..............................

On 10th December 2002 new Directory Enquiry 'DQ' services became available operating behind 6 digit telephone numbers, all starting with 118.

Launching the DQ 118xxx numbered services to replace the well established DQ numbered services (192 and 153) has allowed several companies to enter into the DQ market, to compete on both service and price.

Each DQ service operator is allowed to have their own call charges, albeit always using one of the four different tariff types listed below :-

 - FF (Fixed Fee). A charge that is applied as soon as the call is answered.

 - TF (Time Fee). A charge that is applied throughout the call, including any onward connected call time.

 - CC (Combination Charge). A Fixed Fee that is applied as soon as the call is answered as well as a Time Fee that is applied throughout the call including any onward connected call time.

 - TR (Two Rate). A Fixed Fee which includes the cost of the first minute followed by a Time Fee charged for the remainder of the call including any onward connected call time.

At present more than 95 different telephone numbers all starting with 118 have been issued to various DQ service operators, who have allocated their respective 118 numbers to one of over 50 suggested different call rates.

The rate you are charged for calling a 118xxx number should be as per those recommended by OFCOM (Office of Communications) and can be found within BT's published tariff tables. Unfortunately however, although the DQ service operators must ensure they follow the guidelines laid down by "ICSTIS" (the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services) when they advertise their particular 118xxx number's call rate, there are currently no OFCOM conditions that force "other providers" to charge their customers the advertised rates. As a result, many "other providers" charge their end user customers inflated pence per minute rates and/or connection charges.

You can download the DQ 118xxx Dialling Codes and Call Rates in PDF format by clicking on this icon

If you have a "fixed cost" based internet connection, probably the most cost effective way to retrieve DQ information, is to connect to BT Group's online version of Directory Enquiries, which you can find by clicking here.

NB. It is possible to selectively restrict or (if you so choose) eliminate all call activity to 118xxx numbers from your office by subscribing to our "Call Barring" service.