Directory Enquiries (DQ) Services
Originally, BT's directory enquiries service charged around 40p per call. Following de-regulation of directory enquiries services in 2003, dozens of service providers have entered the market. Despite the promise of competition bring charges down, call charges have risen steadily during this time.
A reform by Ofcom of non-geographic call charges came into effect on 1 July 2015. This saw call charges for 118 numbers split into two parts:
A reform by Ofcom of non-geographic call charges came into effect on 1 July 2015. This saw call charges for 118 numbers split into two parts:
- an Access Charge set by and paid to the benefit of the called party and their telecoms provider
- a Service Charge set by and paid to the benefit of the service provider.
Extortionate rates
The highest Service Charge price point in the new system was £6.98 per call plus £3.49 per minute (after 60 seconds).
On 1 July 2016, a further twenty Service Charge price points were added, the highest of which is £15.98 per call plus £7.99 per minute (after 60 seconds). The level of these charges is nothing short of extortionate.
Additionally, it must be borne in mind that if the DQ service puts the caller through to the destination (as opposed to merely telling the caller the number), the per-minute rate continues for the remainder of the call. In this way, call charges of £500 or more can be run up for a one-hour call.
On 1 July 2016, a further twenty Service Charge price points were added, the highest of which is £15.98 per call plus £7.99 per minute (after 60 seconds). The level of these charges is nothing short of extortionate.
Additionally, it must be borne in mind that if the DQ service puts the caller through to the destination (as opposed to merely telling the caller the number), the per-minute rate continues for the remainder of the call. In this way, call charges of £500 or more can be run up for a one-hour call.
Our position
Amended: 2017-04-20