In the United Kingdom, directory assistance is called directory enquiries.
Directory Enquiries used to be reached by dialling 192 (for UK domestic numbers) or 153 (international numbers), with the service supplied by the telephone company providing the fixed or mobile service to the calling telephone.
These numbers were switched off on 24 August 2003 following the introduction of competition to directory enquiries services.
There are over 200 Directory Enquiry providers, reached by dialling 118 plus another three digit number.
Three providers, 118 500 (BT), 118 888 (Conduit) and 118 118 (The Number), are the biggest providers.
Generally, mobile phone numbers are private and only given to people known to the handset user, friends and family or work colleagues.
However, 118 800 allows complete strangers to find and call you on your mobile.
Mobile phone networks have been inundated with calls from customers worried that their private numbers have been passed on to the company running the new service.
In fact, the company behind it, Connectivity, has bought the numbers from list brokers who in turn buy personal details from market research firms and online stores.