Directory assistance generally no bargain

Consumers are paying more for long-distance directory assistance, according to the Telecommunications Research and Action Center, which studies calling plans and pricing.<br><br>Many carriers charge nearly

Friday, March 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Consumers are paying more for long-distance directory assistance, according to the Telecommunications Research and Action Center, which studies calling plans and pricing.

Many carriers charge nearly $1.60 a call for dialing 1, the area code and 555-1212. And some newer services, such as 00-info and 10-10 options, aren't the bargain they were at first, with costs increasing from 99 cents to $1.49.

One way to save: Many local phone companies now provide long-distance directory information, and they often don't charge for the first few calls each month.

The Washington, D.C.-based Telecommunications Research and Action Center offers these tips for callers needing long-distance directory information:

Avoid using a service. Keep records of frequently called numbers or find them on the Internet. It can be cheaper to call friends in a distant city and ask them to look up the number than to call directory assistance.
Beware of free connections. Long-distance companies may offer to connect a call for free after providing the number, but they may charge their highest per-minute rates. When local phone companies connect, they generally charge 75 cents or more.