This new service increases the Post Office’s presence in the telecoms market, following the launch of its HomePhone service last year.
All calls to 11 88 55 cost 40p, regardless of the length of time it takes - unlike other providers, there’s no additional per minute costs. The PO says their price is 23p cheaper than the two largest rival numbers in the directory enquiries market and add that 90 per cent of the estimated 300 million directory enquiry calls a year are made to just six 118 numbers – and their 11 88 55 service is cheaper than all of them.
Simon Carter, Head of Post Office® HomePhone, said his research revealed that one in three people think current services are expensive and 40 per cent are dissatisfied with current 118 services. “Providing greater choice was meant to give a better deal, but people have been disappointed.”