Save money on 411 info calls.
411 Directory Assistance can cost a bundle!
You might not realize it unless you're in the habit of closely examining your cell phone bill, but cellular service providers charge a lot for "411" calls (calls you make to local -- or national -- directory assistance by dialing 411).
Here are the fees that some of the top carriers charge for each call to 411:
Note that you are using your minutes ("airtime") each time you call 411 -- so if you call from a roaming area, you could be charged 40 cents or 60 cents or more for each minute you're on the phone with 411 -- in addition to the above charges. Ouch!
At these rates, it makes a lot of sense to use an SMS-based search service like Google SMS instead of dialing 411. SMS-based 411 inquiries are free, except for the SMS charges, so you can save a dollar or more for each lookup you do via text instead of calling directory assistance.
For example, suppose you want to find a local flower shop. A call to Cingular 411 costs $1.50 plus airtime -- and the operator might not give you the number and address of a shop unless you know its name first.
But if you send an SMS to Google saying "florist 90210" you might get 3 messages back from Google, each of which has the name, address, and phone number of a different florist. For a total of 4 SMS messages (the one you sent plus the 3 you receive) Cingular will charge you 40 cents.
That's a savings of $1.10 -- plus you're not using any airtime -- and you get three times as much information. Now that's a strong argument for using SMS!
You might not realize it unless you're in the habit of closely examining your cell phone bill, but cellular service providers charge a lot for "411" calls (calls you make to local -- or national -- directory assistance by dialing 411).
Here are the fees that some of the top carriers charge for each call to 411:
- Boost Mobile's Boost 411: $1.29 plus airtime (compare Boost Mobile SMS costs)
- Cingular 411: $1.50 plus airtime (compare Cingular SMS costs)
- Nextel Directory Assistance: $1.25 plus airtime (compare Nextel SMS costs)
- Sprint 411: $1.40 plus airtime (compare Sprint SMS costs)
- T-Mobile 411: $1.49 plus airtime (Compare T-Mobile SMS costs)
- Verizon Wireless 411 Connect: $1.49 plus airtime (compare Verizon SMS costs)
- Virgin Mobile 411: $1.75 plus airtime (compare Virgin Mobile SMS costs)
Note that you are using your minutes ("airtime") each time you call 411 -- so if you call from a roaming area, you could be charged 40 cents or 60 cents or more for each minute you're on the phone with 411 -- in addition to the above charges. Ouch!
At these rates, it makes a lot of sense to use an SMS-based search service like Google SMS instead of dialing 411. SMS-based 411 inquiries are free, except for the SMS charges, so you can save a dollar or more for each lookup you do via text instead of calling directory assistance.
For example, suppose you want to find a local flower shop. A call to Cingular 411 costs $1.50 plus airtime -- and the operator might not give you the number and address of a shop unless you know its name first.
But if you send an SMS to Google saying "florist 90210" you might get 3 messages back from Google, each of which has the name, address, and phone number of a different florist. For a total of 4 SMS messages (the one you sent plus the 3 you receive) Cingular will charge you 40 cents.
That's a savings of $1.10 -- plus you're not using any airtime -- and you get three times as much information. Now that's a strong argument for using SMS!
I want to hear from you! Use the comments link (below) to give me your comments, questions, or corrections.
# posted by Dylan @ 8/04/2006
# posted by Dylan @ 8/04/2006
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Yes, but then you wouldn't be using SMS!
Sometimes it is actually more convenient to text. For instance, 411 operators often won't give you information unless you already know the name of a business -- you can't just say "give me the phone number of a florist in Bowling Green Ohio." With Google SMS, you can do that -- and you'll get several answers to choose from.
Sometimes it is actually more convenient to text. For instance, 411 operators often won't give you information unless you already know the name of a business -- you can't just say "give me the phone number of a florist in Bowling Green Ohio." With Google SMS, you can do that -- and you'll get several answers to choose from.
If you call 1-800-The Info, you can do just that. Request a category, and then narrow it down by a neighborhood or search the entire city for a type of listing. Florist, Taxi, or request a specific type of cuisine.
This service will also send you a text with the number and the address for free, allowing you to have your SMS as well.
I have tried it and the service is great. If you have trouble, they roll you quickly to an operator.
This service will also send you a text with the number and the address for free, allowing you to have your SMS as well.
I have tried it and the service is great. If you have trouble, they roll you quickly to an operator.
Try using 1800-411-SAVE. You can request for business, residential and government listings. It's also operator assisted making it much more easier rather than talking to a machine. Check out their video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLvUGXL4oCY
# posted by 
: 7:56 PM, June 17, 2008
: 7:56 PM, June 17, 2008
I tried free411 and 411 save, and could not get an operator or a text message too. I looked for a florist in bowling green (i liked that example, lol). 800TheInfo got that and sent an SMS, so I called back and mumbled and they actually had an operator.
I pick that one over a straight sms service
I pick that one over a straight sms service
# posted by : 9:07 PM, June 17, 2008
: 9:07 PM, June 17, 2008
I hate to use this opportunity to vent, but some things just really bug me. Ever call FREE DA and get stuck talking to a computer? Why do companies always insist on taking the human touch out of customer service? I heard about 800-411-SAVE and they use people. They are quick to answer, friendly, and always understand what I need.
# posted by : 10:47 PM, June 23, 2008
: 10:47 PM, June 23, 2008 Post a Comment
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