Hold the line: One-second call to directory enquiries can cost almost €6

A one-second phone call to directory enquiries can cost almost €6, a study shows.

The price for the same call varies from 60 cent to €5.58, according to research by the Consumers Association of Ireland.

The cost of making a call to a national directory enquiry provider has risen dramatically, with Eircom landline customers among the worst affected.

As of September 2:

-A one-minute call to 11811 costs €3.42 from Eircom landlines;

-A one-minute call costs €5.58 to 11850;

-A one-minute call to 11890 costs €3.40;

-In contrast, a one-minute call to 11888 costs 60 cent.

The little known number — 11888 — can save consumers up to €4.98 a call.

Confusion and secrecy surrounds the options available, the study — in the September issue of Consumer Choice magazine — reveals.

While a one-minute landline call to 11888 costs 60 cent, the same call from 3 Pre-Pay will set the consumer back €4.26.

As one service user learned to her cost, agreeing to being put through directly to the number sought can be a costly affair. “I rang directory enquiries for the number and then they offered to put me through but I ended up paying €19.40 for one phone call. I couldn’t believe it.”

Each service’s pricing structure includes a set-up fee and minimum charge so that no matter how brief the call the price will still be high, with:

-A one-second call to 11811 costing €2.12;

-A one-second call to 11850 costing €5.58;

-A one-second call to 11890 costing €3.40.

“There are ways to reduce and even avoid charges but these are never highlighted,” said Dermott Jewell, policy adviser to the CAI.

“For example, for consumers who have internet access, each service provides a free search engine. For those who do not, there is one lo-call number, 11888, that provides a much cheaper charge. This number is provided by 11850, but is not advertised anywhere except on the 11850 website.”

Paul Bradley, Eircom’s head of communications, said the company was among the most competitive providers of directory enquiries services in Ireland and also offered the greatest transparency on charges.

“We operate the 11811 service and that is not the most expensive. We also take care to ensure that, when someone rings that number they are advised of our charges at all stages of the call if, for example, they want to be connected directly to the number.”