118 800 - The UK's First Mobile Phone Directory.
What is it all about and what does it mean to me?

As described in the national media, the UK is about to get the first mobile phone directory - 118 800. You can already check for numbers on the 118800.co.uk website, and be able to use the phone service 118 800 from June 18th this year.

All you need to find a number is the persons name and where they live. Understandably this has caused a public outcry on the possibility of the service being used for marketing calls and cold calling as well as the personal information issues.

Connectivity, the company behind 118 800 have said that they never give the number out to anyone using the service, or sell the list to any other third party.

There is an option to opt out of the directory (become ex-directory) by sending the letter 'E' to 118800 from the mobile phone you wish to make ex-directory, although this text message is still charged at the Standard National Rate. You can also call them on 0800 138 6263.

Are you in the Directory?

There are approximately over 40 million mobile phones in the UK, whilst there is only around 15 million in the 118 800 directory. The numbers were obtained from 3 sources.

1. Market Research companies who have contacted individuals and asking if they are prepared to have their number used for commercial purposes.
2. During the course of some online transactions, there would be a tick box allowing third parties to use the information.
3. Purchased from brokers who buy and sell lists of phone numbers.

How can I protect myself from the possibility of sales calls to my mobile?

As in the case of landlines, your mobile phone number may also be placed on the TPS Register, free of charge. It may take up to 28 days before it's listed, but if anyone makes a sales call to any number on the register, they can be fined up to £5000 for every call.

TPS Register - OnLine Application can be found here.

To check to see if your mobile or landline number is already on the TPS register - visit admaronline.co.uk

118800.co.uk website.

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(Source: Admar)