Entrepreneur launches text directory service

Mobile phone users can seek and receive telephone numbers via text messages in a new directory enquiries service.

Text Express has been set up by a Dundalk-based entrepreneur who claims he was fed up with existing operators in the market.

“It takes seconds to text a business or residential name and address and you receive an instant text reply with the number,” said Mark Flanagan, 37.

“No spelling or repeating the details, no unnecessary conversation on the phone.”

Mr Flanagan claims his innovation is Europe’s first-ever directory enquiries text service.

“Text Express replaces the waiting and expense of phoning premium directory enquiries numbers by providing a text service that costs just 60c as compared to as much as 71c with 11890, 96c with 11811 and 1.14c for 11850,” he added.

Mr Flanagan teamed up with Dublin based marketing consultant, Mark Grainger to launch the service which can be accessed by texting the name and address to 53939.

“I am amazed that the major phone companies have not come up with it yet. People are actually texting the number to congratulate us on the service,” he added.

The service is automated through a telecoms technology programme. Any number that doesn’t check out immediately is researched by a member of the Text Express team, who gets back in touch and gives the texter the required number for no additional cost.

“People can also type in a service and a general area such as ’Hairdressers Dublin 4’ and will be instantly texted with a list of hairdressers in that area for the exact same cost.

“Other directory enquiries services only provide a maximum of three numbers per call.”

Mr Flanagan added. “We tried to tailor the service towards Ireland’s digital savvy population. We plan to take a significant portion of the existing market within the next couple of years.”