The Pierz Group has estimated that, despite tough economic times, consumers and businesses spent about $6.5 billion on 411 phone calls in 2009. That is, even though directory assistance phone calls are a convenient way to retrieve contact information, they can be a costly and unnecessary indulgence. In order to avoid such directory assistance fees, a number of free alternatives are now available on the Internet and through mobile devices.

Costs associated with directory assistance phone calls have increased dramatically over the past 15 years. For example, the Pierz Group has found that while a landline 411 call cost around $0.20 per call in 1994, consumers had to pay an average of $1.26 per directory assistance call placed from a traditional landline in 2009.

According to Kathleen A. Pierz, managing partner at The Pierz Group, while a lot of people depend on directory assistance to find people, businesses and directions, few really know how much a 411 call costs.

Pierz also said that even though paid services provide a valuable service, consumers who want to save money can utilize free alternative resources to find the contact information that they are seeking.

WhitePages provides free online and mobile directory services. WhitePages estimates that its free people and business search services saved consumers and businesses $3 Billion in directory assistance fees over the past year. The company offers three scenarios – People Search, Business Search and Directions – and accompanying tips to help consumers and businesses avoid unnecessary directory assistance fees when searching for people, businesses and directions.

Under the people search scenario, a user can search the website of WhitePages or one of its sister sites that are free alternatives to dialing 411. Such sites enable searching by a person's name or address.

In the second scenario, business search, a user can use the web-enabled browser of his phone to try WhitePages' mobile services and look up the required number or use a voice-based directory that offers directory assistance free of charge.

In the third scenario, directions, a user can use his iPhone to click on the pre-installed Maps and Compass icon for directions. In the case of an Android (News - Alert), Google Maps Navigation service will offer turn-by-turn GPS navigation with voice guidance. And for smartphone users, the WhitePages app for robust maps, driving directions and click-to-call functionality is available.

Calvin Azuri is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Calvin’s articles, please visit his columnist page.

From:http://voip-phone-systems.tmcnet.com/topics/voip-phone-systems/articles/72671-despite-recession-consumers-spent-65-billion-411-phone.htm