Directory Assistance (411)
With directory assistance, you can quickly find the phone numbers you need and make crucial business connections. Vonage Business Communications supports directory assistance, and each 411 call is charged at just $1.99.
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Available in the U.S. only.
What is directory assistance?
Phone directory assistance — also sometimes known as directory inquiries — is a telephony service for finding a particular phone number. You can call a number, which in the USA is usually 411, and either use an automated menu or speak to a human operator to find the number you want. You’ll also often be able to get an address for the individual, business, or organization you’re asking after.
Directory assistance 411 numbers
411 numbers are so well-known in the United States that they’ve given rise to a recognized turn of phrase — ”What’s the four-one-one?,” which means what’s going on or what’s the latest information. That comes from the fact that it’s the number you dial for information — specifically the phone number you need.
411 is used as the number for directory assistance to fit with a wider pattern in U.S. telecommunications. It’s one of a set of so-called “N11” numbers — three digit numbers starting with a different digit but always ending 11 — which provide access to different special services:
211 — Community services and information
311 — A non-emergency number for municipal governmental services
411 — Directory assistance
511 — Traffic information or non-emergency access to police services
611 — Customer service and repairs from telephone companies
711 — Services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
811 — Underground public utility location services
911 — Emergency services (police, fire department, ambulance, and rescue).
If you need to call directory assistance or are looking for any of the other services above, it’s easier to remember the right number when they follow a simple, three-digit format.
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What is a 411 directory?
A 411 listing or directory is the database of numbers, addresses, and other information used by directory assistance so you can research or identify businesses or people. Need to look up a freelancer’s phone number or a vendor’s address? A comprehensive business 411 directory service can help you get the information you need quickly and accurately.
How the Vonage 411 directory works
With the Vonage directory assistance service, you can simply dial 411, and the directory assistance service will search local listings for your inquiry. Note that additional rates for directory assistance (411) may apply, and calls made to 411 directory assistance and/or enhanced 411 are billed at $1.99 per call, plus tax.
Benefits of 411 Directory Assistance
Vonage Business Communications supports directory assistance (411). Here are some of the benefits your company can enjoy:
Reliable — You can quickly and consistently find the business contact information you need.
Helpful — You’ll never worry about forgetting or losing a contact number. 411 Directory Assistance is just a phone call away.
Easy — It’s convenient and fast to look up mission-critical phone numbers and addresses.
Cost-effective — Calls made to 411 directory assistance are billed at $1.99 per call.
How to use 411 directory assistance with VBC
411 is one of the three-digit codes mentioned earlier, known as N11 codes, that access special services. In addition to 411, Vonage supports 711 and 911, as well as 988, which is the number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Directory assistance is a Vonage Business Communications service that’s part of every VBC account. When you dial 411, a recording (or in some cases an operator) will guide you through a number of prompts, depending on the type of information you’re seeking.
Still have questions about 411 Directory Assistance?
Directory assistance is a service provided by many local phone companies, long distance providers, and independent telecommunications carriers. Directory assistance (411), for instance, is a standard feature supported by Vonage and available to anyone with a VBC account. To access the service, all you need to do is dial 411.
To add a phone number to the local directory, contact your phone service provider, verify your information, and the number will be added to the list. There are also third-party services who will handle the listing for you. This makes your business number and information available to others who call 411 for directory assistance.
If you need a remote or non-local area code number, you may need to dial something other than 411. This service is sometimes called enhanced directory assistance, and is also supported by Vonage. VBC callers need simply dial the relevant area code followed by 555-1212. For instance, 718-555-1212 for a Brooklyn number.
The charge for calling directory assistance varies from provider to provider. Some also charge a different amount depending on the type of number you’re looking for — for instance, cell directory assistance may cost more. Some local phone companies used to offer free directory assistance, but this has become quite rare. Individuals with visual or mobility issues, however, may be exempt from paying a directory assistance charge.
If you’re a VBC user, calls made to 411 directory assistance are billed at $1.99 per call. Calls made to enhanced 411 (xxx-555-1212) are also billed at $1.99 per call. This is an easy-to-understand, standard rate, which is also considerably lower than that charge by some phone companies and telecommunications providers.
Get started with Directory Assistance (411)
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