Disgusting 118 118 UK Mobile Charges


August 15th, 2010
If you are with 02 (the UK mobile network provider) and need a number urgently … DO NOT CALL 118-118!

I used the 118-118 number the other day. The service is prompt – but that is exactly what you’d expect seeing as they charge your a highly disgusting amount for it.

Conversation goes like this:

118-118: Hi, How can I help you?
Me: Can I have the number for XXXXXXX please?
118-118: Certainly Sir. 1 Second please.
(5 seconds later)
118-118: the number is XXXX XXX XXXX. Do you want me to put you through to that number?
Me: Why yes – that’d be great thanks.
…. call forwarded.

I was then on the phone to the person I initially needed to talk to. I spoke with them for about 11mins.

Today I received my phone bill from 02 :-{

Call duration for 118-118 was tallied at 12 minutes and cost £15.319 (and hence rounded up to £15.32).

118-118 keep the call open on their line when they “put you through”. It is an scam beyond belief.

How many people are lazy enough not to lift the yellow pages or the phone directory when they are at home and instead call 118-118 for the number they need? I’d hazard a guess at 3% of the UK population.

How many people need access to numbers when they are out and about, hence using their mobiles? I’d go a lot higher than the initial number.

Where people have a choice (at home) I’m sure that 118-118 has a low cost. Their largest customer base sits squarely in the mobile arena and it is here that they are truly screwing every last penny out of anyone that dares call their service.

Be warned!

Categories: General

3 Responses to “Disgusting 118 118 UK Mobile Charges”

  1. tctech says:

    I KEPT CALLING 118118 AND WITHIN A DAY I ONLY HAD £1 LEFT OF CREDIT AND NOW WE DO IT ON MY MATE’S BLACKBERRY WHICH IS FUN.

  2. John says:

    Too right! If I absolutely have to dial a 118 number, I use 118365 as it’s only 50p per minute even from your mobile (I’m on EE). If I want to use an online service, I use http://www.ukphonebook.com where you get just the same info (business and residential) that the 118 operators use…and it’s free for five telephone searches per day. There’s also an iPhone app iPhonebook that’s £2.99 but you get free directory enquiries searches for life.

  3. Peggy says:

    My blog homepage; Peggy,

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