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Cost of 118 calls to be capped after charges soar Cost of 118 calls to be capped after charges soar
(35 minutes later)
The price of a call to directory enquiries will be capped at £3.65 for 90 seconds.The price of a call to directory enquiries will be capped at £3.65 for 90 seconds.
Phone industry regulator Ofcom says it is responding to a "steep" rise in prices.Phone industry regulator Ofcom says it is responding to a "steep" rise in prices.
The most popular service, 118 118, charges £11.23 for a 90 second call, the regulator said.The most popular service, 118 118, charges £11.23 for a 90 second call, the regulator said.
The number of calls being made to 118 services has been falling by 40% a year, but more than a million people a year still use the service.The number of calls being made to 118 services has been falling by 40% a year, but more than a million people a year still use the service.
Many of those using 118 services are elderly, Ofcom said.Many of those using 118 services are elderly, Ofcom said.
Some providers charge even more, meaning a 90-second call can cost almost £20. People aged over 65 are four times more likely to call 118 numbers than those aged between 16 and 34. They are also "significantly" less likely to have internet access, meaning they cannot search for a number online.
"Directory enquiry prices have risen in recent years, and callers are paying much more than they expect. Our evidence shows this is hurting people, with some struggling to pay their bills," said Jane Rumble, Ofcom's Director of Consumer Policy. The regulator found that some providers are charging almost £20 for a 90-second call.
"Directory enquiry prices have risen in recent years, and callers are paying much more than they expect. Our evidence shows this is hurting people, with some struggling to pay their bills," said Jane Rumble, Ofcom's director of consumer policy.
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