The new 118 directory inquiry operators' charges to put callers through to the number requested were yesterday described as daylight robbery.

Most companies vying for business offer what appears to be a convenient service allowing customers to be automatically connected.

But the option comes at a cost, which, from a landline, can be up to five times more than putting the phone down and dialling again.

From a mobile phone the price can soar to £1 a minute.

The Consumers' Association warned callers were unaware of the high costs incurred amid widespread confusion over the pricing structures of the rival operators.

At least 15 companies have already launched 118 numbers, which are designed to replace the 192 national inquiry service, which ends this Sunday.

Callers can choose a service that charges by the minute, by the second, for one number or several and which offers everything from cinema listings to street directions in addition to telephone numbers.

Most also offer the option of being put straight through to the number requested but in this, as elsewhere, the cost can vary greatly.

The Yellow Pages service (118 247) charges 40p a minute from a landline to request a number and continues billing at the same rate if the caller wants to be put through.

Putting the phone down and calling the number given can cost only 8p a minute on BT's daytime peak rate.

Other operators charge anything from 5p a minute for call completion while on BT's 192 replacement, 118 500, it costs 30p a minute.

Mobile customers face even higher bills for calling directory enquiries.

Jenni Conti, senior researcher at the Consumers' Association, said: "The prices being charged for call completion are daylight robbery.

"Most people don't get the message about how much the call will cost until they say they want to be connected."

Thursday August 21, 2003