Vodafone criticised for 20% rise in directory inquiry fees

THE consumer watchdog yesterday branded mobile phone giant Vodafone’s decision to raise directory inquiry charges 20% to 89c per minute as “opportunistic money-making.”

Vodafone said the “new, simplified rates will offer our customers increased clarity on their directory inquiry calls.”

The new rates, which take effect from September 4, will see the cost of the service rise from 74c a minute to 89c for prepay customers and to 79c for those who pay monthly. Vodafone has also scrapped the lower tariff of 54c for second and subsequent minutes. The higher rates will now apply for the full duration of a call.