14 DAY TRIAL // AT&T announced that it has launched a new directory assistance service in California, following a successful trial that took place in Bakersfield, Columbus and Oklahoma City. The service, called AT&T 1-800-YellowPages is ad-supported and offers users free access to business listings.
The service is available by dialing 1-800-YellowPage (1-800-935-5697) either from a cell phone, or from a landline phone. By using the service, consumers can request a listing for a specific business or type of business. The service can be used free of charge, but before receiving the business listing a short audio ad will be played. The caller listens to a maximum of 4 ads, each 5 to 10 seconds, before receiving the number, or being connected to the business at no cost if the advertiser has included automatic Call Completion as part of the ad design.
Depending on what consumers are searching for, different ads will be played. For example if a user asks for a specific type of business, such as "florist," ads will be played for businesses within that industry. If a user requests a listing for a specific business, an ad for that particular business is played before the number is given. The last type of ads is from companies that sponsor the service, the consumer hearing an ad that promotes the advertiser's products or services.
"AT&T 1-800-YellowPages works like an audio Yellow Pages to give callers free access to local and nationwide business listing information from any phone, 24/7," said David S. Huntley, senior vice president of AT&T Customer Information Services. "We received positive feedback about 1-800-YellowPages during our recent market trial and are excited about expanding this service to California residents. For area businesses, were helping them reach potential customers who are in need of a service and are ready to make a purchasing decision."