New mobile phone directory about to launch.

[Rik]

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

A 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.

You 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]

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

[J!ll]

Ditto to that!     

[Ray]

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]

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

[Simon]

This might be welcomed next door, Rik. 

[Rik]

Feel free to borrow it.

[Ray]

Thanks, Rik, and have another   

[Rik]

Thanks.

[Sebby]

Should this be something you opt in for?

Thanks for the heads up, Rik.

[Rik]

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

[Ann]

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]

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]

I agree, Danni, it shouldn't.   

[PuncH]

this deserves a karma! 

thanks rik!

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

[Sebby]

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

[talos]

Can you make this sticky please Rik

[Rik]

I have.

[Rik]

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]

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]

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

[gizmo71]

Are you registered with the TPS, Giz?

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

[Rik]

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

[Baz]

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]

From the site, Baz:

The 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.