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Meet the Press Friday 4 February 2005

Directory assistance services Retiring the number 12 and replacing it with six-digit numbers beginning with 118. Meet the Press Friday 4 February 2005. The evolution of directory assistance services in France. Why retire the number 12?

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Meet the Press Friday 4 February 2005

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  1. Directory assistance servicesRetiring the number 12and replacing it with six-digit numbersbeginning with 118 Meet the Press Friday 4 February 2005

  2. The evolution of directory assistance services in France • Why retire the number 12? • The number 12 and other directory assistance services numbers will be replaced by six-digit numbers beginning with 118 • Consumers will have access to universal directory data via all 118 numbers • How will 118 numbers be allocated? • April 3rd, 2006: the "12" will no longer be operational • How will consumers be informed? February 2005

  3. A - From 12 to 118 • Why retire the number 12? • In order to put an end to the distortion of competition caused by the use of different number formats (12, three- or four-digit numbers, etc.) • A decision by the Conseil d’Etat requires ART to: • Define the conditions for allocating numbers with the same format for all operators offering directory assistance services • Revise the numbering plan so that the number 12 is no longer used for directory assistance services February 2005

  4. A - From 12 to 118 (cont'd) • ART decided to replace the number 12 and other access numbers to directory assistance services (such as those of mobile operators) with six-digit numbers • Following an ECTRA recommendation, ART has chosen the range of numbers beginning with 118, a number used in many other European countries • Of the 1,000 numbers theoretically available, 100 will be frozen (the 1181 range) February 2005

  5. B – Consumers will have access to universal directory data via all 118 numbers • All directory assistance services using a 118 number will be required to offer at least universal directory service • i.e. the equivalent of the white pages • This includes fixed and mobile numbers, as well as Voice-Over-IP numbers with the 087 format used to call via Internet set-up boxes, for example, and 3BPQ and 08 numbers to call free phone or premium services • 118 numbers can also offer their users other services • Including international directory assistance, professional directories, reverse directories, foreign language services, call forwarding, directory assistance via SMS or e-mail, etc. February 2005

  6. C – How will 118 numbers be allocated? • Telephone numbers are generally allocated on a first-come, first-served basis • However, in order to meet significant initial demand, the 118 numbers will initially be distributed by a draw • Only one application will be accepted for all affiliates of a single group, and a maximum of ten 118 numbers will be authorised per group • The 1181YZ range (100 numbers) will be frozen, and not allocated • In order to prevent speculation, 118 numbers may not be transferred to another operator for a period of two years February 2005

  7. D – Important dates April 3rd, 2006: the “12” is no longer operational • April 15th, 2005 (noon): application deadline • May 11th, 2005: draw for 118 numbers • November 2nd, 2005: operational launch of first 118 numbers • April 3rd, 2006: the number 12 and other former services (612, 712, 222, 3200, etc.) are no longer operational - users will be informed by a recorded message • April 3rd, 2007: final closure of the number 12 and other directory services not in 118 format • N.B.: This timetable depends on the Government’s publication of its decree establishing the level of the numbering fees for 118 numbers February 2005

  8. E – What will change for consumers? • The end of the "12" may cause confusion for some consumers • ART is aware that the replacement of the number 12 by 118 may cause confusion for some consumers • This is why it has initiated discussions with Government departments on the most effective ways of informing the public • Consumerassociations (who will meet at ART soon) will be closely involved in this information process • ART will hold surveys to measure the quality of the various directory assistance services • Measurements will be made public, shared with the media and consumer associations. February 2005

  9. E – How much will 118 services cost? • As is the case today, the prices of these services will be set freely by individual 118 service providers • Except for the universal directory service provider - currently France Telecom - whose prices will continue to be regulated • Currently €0.80 from a fixed line / €0.901 beginning March 3rd, 2005 February 2005

  10. F - Consumer rights concerning universal directory services • A decree is being drafted • The universal directory and directory service decree in application of the "electronic communications" law • All operators (including mobile operators) will be required to inform subscribers of their rights • Subscribers’ personal data (including mobiles and 0870) will appear in the directory • Subscribers may decide whether they want the personal data of the users of their line (e.g. name, address, e-mail) to be provided by a directory service • Users can hide some of their personal data (e.g. address, first name) February 2005

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