THE 192 directory enquiry services will end on August 24, it was has been announced.
The decision comes after watchdog Oftel decided to let other companies set up their own services.
Already in force, the new numbers are six digits long and start with 118.
Research by Oftel shows that already up to one in five calls to directory enquiry services are made to one of the new 118 numbers.
"Consumers are already taking advantage of more choice and lower prices as a result of our decision to allow other companies to compete to provide directory enquiry numbers," said Peter Waller, Oftel deputy director of telecommunications.
"Calls to some new directory enquiry services are typically half the price of BT's current 192 service.
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