New mobile phone directory about to launch.

Rik · Jun 09, 2009, 16:37:21

The BBC and others are reporting the launch of a new mobile phone directory service:

QuoteA company will begin offering a directory service from next week that allows people to find the mobile phone numbers of people they don't know.

Run by 118800, it will cost £1 and use databases of numbers it said are freely available for purchase and in the public domain.

Anyone searching for a number can type the name and location of the person into the 118800 website.

It claims to have some 15m numbers in its database.

118800 says it gets numbers from three sources. First, market research companies who contact individuals and ask if they would be prepared to allow their numbers to be used for commercial purposes.

Second, from online businesses who often ask customers to tick boxes during the normal course of online transactions.

Thirdly, 118800 gets them from brokers who buy and sell lists of phone numbers.

118800 says it has about 15m phone numbers on its databases which is just a fraction of the 40m adults who have one or more handsets in the UK.

It's an opt out service, their terms are here.

QuoteYou can become ex-directory by texting the letter 'E' to 118800 from the mobile phone that you want to be made ex-directory. Standard network charges apply. Or you can call us on 118 800 or 0800 138 6263 from the phone you want to be made ex-directory. But remember that 0800 calls will be charged by your mobile phone company. The first time 118 800 contacts you please note that you will be sent an SMS reminding you about how to become ex-directory. Please allow 4 weeks for your details to be made ex-directory

Time to text, methinks.

Simon · Jun 09, 2009, 16:39:53

Just sent mine, thanks for the heads up, Rik.

J!ll · Jun 09, 2009, 16:47:26

Ditto to that!

Ray · Jun 09, 2009, 16:47:41

Don't think I'll be using that service, Rik, and definitely time to text, don't want my mobile getting on their list

I get enough annoyance on my landline from unsolicited calls even though I'm ex directory.

Edit: Text already sent.

Rik · Jun 09, 2009, 16:48:35

I've just done ours. I am not happy with having to opt out, though, whatever happened to data protection?

Simon · Jun 09, 2009, 16:53:29

This might be welcomed next door, Rik.

Rik · Jun 09, 2009, 16:56:20

Feel free to borrow it.

Ray · Jun 09, 2009, 16:58:54

Thanks, Rik, and have another

Rik · Jun 09, 2009, 16:59:54

Thanks.

Sebby · Jun 09, 2009, 19:18:08

Should this be something you opt in for?

Thanks for the heads up, Rik.

Rik · Jun 09, 2009, 19:18:57

It should, but it isn't, Seb. IMO, that stinks.

Ann · Jun 09, 2009, 19:38:48

I thought about texting to opt out then thought I'll just keep quiet and hope they haven't heard of my number at all.. wouldn't want to go giving it to them.

Danni · Jun 09, 2009, 20:48:05

Hang on- the service is available from next week and it takes 4 weeks to opt out? That means even if we all opt out now, there's three weeks our numbers will be available. That shouldn't be allowed.

Simon · Jun 09, 2009, 20:51:56

I agree, Danni, it shouldn't.

PuncH · Jun 09, 2009, 22:33:03

this deserves a karma!

thanks rik!

and 118800 deserve a kick up the harris for releasing such a service

Sebby · Jun 09, 2009, 22:44:22

We should complain to Ofcom. Oh wait, they don't care.

talos · Jun 10, 2009, 09:54:41

Can you make this sticky please Rik

Rik · Jun 10, 2009, 09:55:56

I have.

Rik · Jun 10, 2009, 09:56:35

Quote from: Danni on Jun 09, 2009, 20:48:05
Hang on- the service is available from next week and it takes 4 weeks to opt out? That means even if we all opt out now, there's three weeks our numbers will be available. That shouldn't be allowed.

I noticed that too. The first call/text I get from them, I'm off to the ICO with a complaint.

gizmo71 · Jun 10, 2009, 10:02:24

Hmm, is it coincidence that I got rung up by the infamous Kitchens Direct yesterday?

First time I just hung up.

Second time I waited until I heard the magic words "Kitchens Direct" and then (as I was standing in the middle of the office trying to have a conversation with someone) announced in a loud voice that "You are the Weakest Link, goodbye!" and hung up.

Hopefully that will shut them up.

Rik · Jun 10, 2009, 10:03:52

Are you registered with the TPS, Giz? (Any signs of an engineer??)

gizmo71 · Jun 10, 2009, 10:32:36

Quote from: Rik on Jun 10, 2009, 10:03:52
Are you registered with the TPS, Giz?

Yes, but only my home number, not my mobile.

Rik · Jun 10, 2009, 10:41:43

It's worth adding the latter. You can also register any fax number you may have.

Baz · Jun 10, 2009, 17:49:25

Quote from: Rik on Jun 10, 2009, 10:41:43
It's worth adding the latter. You can also register any fax number you may have.

how do you register your mobile on TPS Rik, I only see forms for land lines

Rik · Jun 10, 2009, 17:51:14

From the site, Baz:

QuoteThe TPS can accept the registration of mobile telephone numbers, however it is important to note that this will prevent the receipt of marketing voice calls but not SMS (text) messages. If you wish to stop receiving SMS marketing messages, please send an 'opt-out' request to the company involved.

Baz · Jun 10, 2009, 17:57:42

well I just tried through the normal register part and it seems to have worked. The bit that confuses me is that it needs your post code and address to which the mobile is registered.

surely then its not mobile if its tied to your address

Rik · Jun 10, 2009, 18:00:50

I suspect that's to prevent duplication, Baz. It seems to have worked for me so far.

Baz · Jun 10, 2009, 18:01:33

will have to wait and see, takes up to 28 days doesnt it

Rik · Jun 10, 2009, 18:03:06

It does, Baz, but so does opting out from 118800, so a belt and braces approach will do no harm.

El Bunto · Jun 11, 2009, 09:35:18

Quote from: Ann on Jun 09, 2009, 19:38:48
I thought about texting to opt out then thought I'll just keep quiet and hope they haven't heard of my number at all.. wouldn't want to go giving it to them.

That's probably the approach that I'll take. Otherwise I'm just validating my phone number as being active and in-service, which is exactly the information that telemarketers love to have.

Excuse the cynicism!

J!ll · Jun 11, 2009, 09:39:51

When my mob rings it will show the no. and the name, if it doesn't then I don't answer it.

talos · Jun 11, 2009, 10:21:31

Quote from: Baz on Jun 10, 2009, 17:57:42
well I just tried through the normal register part and it seems to have worked. The bit that confuses me is that it needs your post code and address to which the mobile is registered.

surely then its not mobile if its tied to your address

I registered my mobile today, and found you can ignore the request for your address just leave it blank, but you must put in an email address for the activation, mine went through ok and was activated within 5 mins.

Gary · Jun 14, 2009, 00:41:57

I did this a few days ago, Rik the lack of a reply saying its been done is somewhat....disturbing, I would like to know it worked

merlin · Jun 14, 2009, 09:07:20

i am confused , (whats new ) i would have thought "ex directory " means that under certain circumstances, they might be able to use your number or give it out .

where as "opting out " means you are not in the system at all, and the number is totally not useable.

so why did,nt they give an opt out option, because i think further down the line ex-directory, will be manipulated in some way, and used in some nefarious way much the same as our politicians, say one thing and then bend it later .

i,m taking ann,s method ,and doing nothing, and so not let them harvest my number .

Rik · Jun 14, 2009, 10:09:07

Quote from: Gary on Jun 14, 2009, 00:41:57
I did this a few days ago, Rik the lack of a reply saying its been done is somewhat....disturbing, I would like to know it worked

I know, Gary. I do wonder if it's a harvesting trick, but they'll be playing fast and loose with the DPA if it is.

talos · Jun 14, 2009, 10:36:14

I think there is some confusion here, when you register your number you are opting IN to the phone preference service, they then add your No to a list of No's which telesales companies must not use, in effect you have denied them permission to call you, it does not make you Ex-directory

.
The reason it takes so long to become effective is because the TPS publish the list every couple of months. If you still receive the unwanted calls, find out who the company is and report them to TPS, they have the power to become quite nasty with these callers, I have found, if still getting these calls, it is effective if you just mention the fact that your number is registered, most will not call again.
A final point is, many of the calls are now originating from overseas and nobody but the country of origin can do anything about them

Rik · Jun 14, 2009, 10:38:46

I think Gary and I were talking about the opt out from 118800, Bob. I have, indeed, opted in to the TPS on all our phones, plus the FPS for my fax.

talos · Jun 14, 2009, 10:40:06

I see

Rik · Jun 14, 2009, 10:43:40

It's been a long thread.

Gary · Jun 16, 2009, 06:27:18

Quote from: Rik on Jun 14, 2009, 10:38:46
I think Gary and I were talking about the opt out from 118800, Bob. I have, indeed, opted in to the TPS on all our phones, plus the FPS for my fax.

I have logged out/in through the TPS as well with my Mobile a few years back, very worthwhile, I do not get the myriad of calls asking to upgrade me when its time for that from various companies, If I wanted to change network I would without their help, but I don't

Rik · Jul 14, 2009, 15:40:39

Latest on this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8149908.stm

Gary · Jul 14, 2009, 16:04:18

I managed to get Justina's number off before it went down as we were both listed, last time I checked though I was not but that was only after going ex directory on the site rather than text I think the text way may of had issues, once I did it on the site I vanished from search

Rik · Jul 14, 2009, 16:08:46

It will be interesting to see whether they come back, Gary.

Gary · Jul 14, 2009, 16:17:13

Quote from: Rik on Jul 14, 2009, 16:08:46
It will be interesting to see whether they come back, Gary.

I agree I did not see a "Beta" moniker on that site

Rik · Jul 14, 2009, 16:21:13

It all suggests a testing of the water to me.

Gary · Jul 14, 2009, 16:37:01

Quote from: Rik on Jul 14, 2009, 16:21:13
It all suggests a testing of the water to me.

I do agree

zappaDPJ · Jul 14, 2009, 17:00:43

So am I right in thinking that the entire show has gone down, not just the ability to opt out?

Rik · Jul 14, 2009, 17:18:49

Yup.

zappaDPJ · Jul 14, 2009, 17:37:46

Mmmm, I've just thought of a great scam. Start up a controversial service, get everyone to opt out and then scarper with a lot of hard to get personal details

As a matter of interest were there any costs involved in opting out such as mobile phone charges?

I know I'm being completely cynical but the smell of fish is overwhelming from where I'm sitting

Rik · Jul 14, 2009, 17:39:39

Standard network text charges, Zap, but that's free for many people.

zappaDPJ · Jul 14, 2009, 17:46:34

I'm just looking at all the angles. I've recently been bombard with spam emails urging me to opt out and something doesn't feel right about it.

Rik · Jul 14, 2009, 17:54:12

Damned if you do, damned if you don't, eh?

zappaDPJ · Jul 14, 2009, 18:01:48

It seems that way to me, we have three mobile phones but I took a decision not to opt out. I'll be watching what happens with interest.

Rik · Jul 14, 2009, 18:02:57

In many ways, I needn't have bothered as I think few people would try to find me, even fewer after they'd paid but I'd refused the connection a few times.

Gary · Jul 14, 2009, 18:22:15

Quote from: zappaDPJ on Jul 14, 2009, 17:37:46
Mmmm, I've just thought of a great scam. Start up a controversial service, get everyone to opt out and then scarper with a lot of hard to get personal details

As a matter of interest were there any costs involved in opting out such as mobile phone charges?

I know I'm being completely cynical but the smell of fish is overwhelming from where I'm sitting

Free on the website and a text from your phone that was free to prove it was you

zappaDPJ · Jul 14, 2009, 18:34:45

I'm just being a cynic Gary. It does though look as if all the bad publicity might have killed the service at birth which is probably not a bad thing for consumers.

Simon · Jul 14, 2009, 21:51:28

I tried to opt out on a number of occasions, but never received the 5 digit confirmation code on any of them, so I will be interested to see, if the site is ever up and running again, whether I'm in or out.

Gary · Jul 14, 2009, 23:06:48

Quote from: zappaDPJ on Jul 14, 2009, 18:34:45
I'm just being a cynic Gary. It does though look as if all the bad publicity might have killed the service at birth which is probably not a bad thing for consumers.

Being a cynic Zap is very healthy I find

zappaDPJ · Jul 14, 2009, 23:16:22

Indeed

Sebby · Jul 14, 2009, 23:34:10

Quote from: Simon on Jul 14, 2009, 21:51:28
I tried to opt out on a number of occasions, but never received the 5 digit confirmation code on any of them, so I will be interested to see, if the site is ever up and running again, whether I'm in or out.

Same here.

Gary · Jul 15, 2009, 09:04:17

Quote from: Sebby on Jul 14, 2009, 23:34:10
Same here.

I got the 5 digit code and so did Justina

it found me at my last address when i searched once opted out i could not be found when searching, this was before the site went down of course.

Rik · Jul 15, 2009, 09:47:31

I didn't get the code, but I kept a copy of my text, so if I'm in, I shall be asking them to explain.