Menu
18/11/2003
One third of customers get wrong information from 118 services
Research into the new 118 directory inquiry services has found that just over one third of calls resulted in incorrect information being passed on to the customer, it has been revealed today.
Oftel and ICSTIS, who published the results of their first joint research into the new 118 directory enquiry services, found that only 62% of all requests resulted in the correct information being provided.
The research, which included one of the largest mystery shopping surveys of directory enquiry services yet undertaken, found that when complaints were made about inaccurate information being provided, eight out of 10 complainants were offered a refund.
Peter Waller, Deputy Director General of Telecommunications, said: "For the first time, consumers have a choice of service providers for directory enquiry information. There are different services competing on cost, reliability and range of facilities."
Paul Whiteing, ICSTIS’ Deputy Director added: "ICSTIS’ role is to ensure that all advertisements for these services contain clear and accurate pricing information and that consumers get the service promised to them.
"At this stage, the overall level of performance of directory enquiry service providers is not as good as it could be especially in relation to levels of accuracy. Oftel and ICSTIS will discuss with the industry what can be done to improve overall performance.
"I hope that this research will act as a spur to individual companies to improve the accuracy of their services. Those that don’t risk losing their customers to other directory enquiry providers."
"We will not hesitate to intervene to ensure that service providers adhere in full to the ICSTIS Code of Practice," he said.
The researchers consulted 1,059 adults, and the mystery shopping was carried out by MORI on 30 national and 10 international directory enquiry numbers with a total of 2,039 requests made.
(gmcg)
Oftel and ICSTIS, who published the results of their first joint research into the new 118 directory enquiry services, found that only 62% of all requests resulted in the correct information being provided.
The research, which included one of the largest mystery shopping surveys of directory enquiry services yet undertaken, found that when complaints were made about inaccurate information being provided, eight out of 10 complainants were offered a refund.
Peter Waller, Deputy Director General of Telecommunications, said: "For the first time, consumers have a choice of service providers for directory enquiry information. There are different services competing on cost, reliability and range of facilities."
Paul Whiteing, ICSTIS’ Deputy Director added: "ICSTIS’ role is to ensure that all advertisements for these services contain clear and accurate pricing information and that consumers get the service promised to them.
"At this stage, the overall level of performance of directory enquiry service providers is not as good as it could be especially in relation to levels of accuracy. Oftel and ICSTIS will discuss with the industry what can be done to improve overall performance.
"I hope that this research will act as a spur to individual companies to improve the accuracy of their services. Those that don’t risk losing their customers to other directory enquiry providers."
"We will not hesitate to intervene to ensure that service providers adhere in full to the ICSTIS Code of Practice," he said.
The researchers consulted 1,059 adults, and the mystery shopping was carried out by MORI on 30 national and 10 international directory enquiry numbers with a total of 2,039 requests made.
(gmcg)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2003
Conduit enquiry number to rival BT's 192 service
Europe’s leading independent supplier of directory enquiries, Conduit has launched 11 88 88, an alternative to BT's 192 service. Conduit say any calls to 11 88 88 can be made from any landline or mobile phone and cost from 20p, exactly half the 40p cost of dialing BT 192.
Conduit enquiry number to rival BT's 192 service
Europe’s leading independent supplier of directory enquiries, Conduit has launched 11 88 88, an alternative to BT's 192 service. Conduit say any calls to 11 88 88 can be made from any landline or mobile phone and cost from 20p, exactly half the 40p cost of dialing BT 192.
04 March 2002
CBI sees confidence restored in UK service sector
The latest quarterly survey by the Confederation British Industry has revealed that confidence is returning to the service sector.
CBI sees confidence restored in UK service sector
The latest quarterly survey by the Confederation British Industry has revealed that confidence is returning to the service sector.
16 August 2001
Local businesses gain from benefits of on-line directory
Newtownabbey Borough recently opened their doors to global trading opportunities thanks to a new on-line business directory at www.newtownabbey.gov.uk. From specialised clothing for fire fighters, to training services and data management, the directory aims to reflect the diversity of business life in the Newtownabbey area.
Local businesses gain from benefits of on-line directory
Newtownabbey Borough recently opened their doors to global trading opportunities thanks to a new on-line business directory at www.newtownabbey.gov.uk. From specialised clothing for fire fighters, to training services and data management, the directory aims to reflect the diversity of business life in the Newtownabbey area.
14 February 2006
UK inflation steady at target rate
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that despite increasing energy costs, Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual inflation is steady at 1.9% for January, just under the Government's target. The forecast was for inflation to hit 2.1% but the largest upward effect on inflation came from transport.
UK inflation steady at target rate
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that despite increasing energy costs, Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual inflation is steady at 1.9% for January, just under the Government's target. The forecast was for inflation to hit 2.1% but the largest upward effect on inflation came from transport.
22 June 2005
US-based financial services group announces NI centre
Invest NI has secured an investment which will see Wombat, the US-based financial services group, establish its global centre of software engineering excellence in Northern Ireland. Wombat’s software transfers stock exchange data to remote trading floors in banks at high speed, improving the efficiency and accuracy of automated trading systems.
US-based financial services group announces NI centre
Invest NI has secured an investment which will see Wombat, the US-based financial services group, establish its global centre of software engineering excellence in Northern Ireland. Wombat’s software transfers stock exchange data to remote trading floors in banks at high speed, improving the efficiency and accuracy of automated trading systems.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
