Free 411 Calls? You Bet

Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:07PM EST

See Comments (608)

Tired of paying $1.50 or $2 for every directory assistance phone call? Then don't. There truly is such a thing as free directory assistance, though it may cost you a little in time and patience. Jot this down:

1-800-FREE411.

A Boston-based company called Jingle Networks offers this free alternative to expensive 411 calls via your cell phone or land line. How and why do they do what they do for free? Just as radio and TV shows are supported by advertising, the directory assistance service is sponsored by companies advertising with the service. So, yes, that means you may hear a short, audio ad when requesting a phone number, but not every time.

When I tried it out, the automated system got the name I was requesting wrong, but a live operator quickly came on the line and found the phone number. I heard (and ignored) an ad for a credit card before I got my number, but it didn't drone on too long. Generally, you'll hear ads related to businesses you're requesting to contact and will be given the opportunity to connect to the advertised business. But an ad here and there seems worth saving $1.50 a pop.

The company vows on its web site that it does not give out cell phone numbers or other private information.

I tried another free directory assistance number I've come across, 1-800-411METRO, but this time got a message saying, "All circuits are busy. Please try your call again later."

You can also find numbers on the 1-800-FREE411 web site, but if you're near a computer, there are other free online directories, including Switchboard and Yahoo! Yellow Pages.

So far, I haven't found anything better than 1-800-FREE411 for when I'm on the road. Have you?

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Comments on Free 411 Calls? You Bet

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  • 46 Posted by royallewright on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    I used it before but the customer service is deplorable. Like any other 800 number you have to call. It is worth it.

  • 47 Posted by courtney0179 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've been using Free 411 for over a year and it's definitely worth it. I've yet to have the automated system get my listing wrong and don't mind the 30 sec wait for a number. I've recommended it to my friends and family.

  • 48 Posted by bellholden on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    Thanks, I have had positive results when using the 1800free411 service. I have passed this inforamtion on to family members and friends.

  • 49 Posted by nunuc2000 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    Unfortunately, that service isn't available to Canadians yet. Bummer :(

  • 51 Posted by mzdanz on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    I call all the time and it is especially convienient when I have to call back it gives me the option to get the last number I requested for those times when I have tried to memorize but failed :) a+++++++++++++++++++

  • 52 Posted by clintlang1973 on Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:16PM EST Report Abuse

    Thanx to this information; life WILL BE EASIER! Who wants to carry a phone book around, pull over, look up a number (if you can find it)? Now, with hands free calling and an 800 number for 411...life will be easier!

  • 53 Posted by faulball67 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'd much rather listen to an advertisement than pay $1.50. Nice find.

  • 54 Posted by mssharongm on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    Have not tried free directory, but number is in my cell phone.

  • 55 Posted by wldflwr1980 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    yeah its great I use it all the time, it really is free

  • 57 Posted by lonley1960 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:56PM EDT Report Abuse

    its about time there is something free thank you this is great

  • 58 Posted by w_romaine on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    Another great way of getting a hold of numbers is by simply inputing the name and the zip code (for the loaction) in a text message and sending it to GOOGLE (46645). The response is fast and it doesn't cost any more than your reg. text messaging rates. This works in many other ways too...movies, restauraunts, etc.

  • 59 Posted by tprez138 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    this thing makes me so crazy wowow wowowowowowowowowow you cheap folks have to sell out? haha

  • 60 Posted by mibertram on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:17PM EDT Report Abuse

    I LOVE FREE 411 I HAVE BEEN USING IT FOR MONTHS. MARY-AUSTIN, TX

  • 61 Posted by deener692001 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:40PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've been using this for over a year now, I'm grateful for it even though it has it's moments being automated and sensitive to any noise, way better than paying money though and don't forget you still use your minutes.

  • 62 Posted by mystericskye on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    This article was very helpful and will save me and my friends a lot of money.

  • 63 Posted by bestbarb on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have used this a few times and stopped because information was incorrrect- wrong city, wrong restaurant, wrong pivate number. Not worth my time for incorrect information, prefer to pay (unhappily)for correct information.

  • 64 Posted by jesusislordfellowship_1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hello Everyone: I have been using this Service For wuite some time Now almost a year and a half. You will be facing some advertizment in the beginning of the call but it is a blessing. It will ask you in the beginning if it is a business or private call you are calling than it will ask you where the call is and what it is after you here the advertizment. its an awesome Blessing to have in your home. You need not worry about paying the high costs of 411 and the most blessed part about it is, you can ask for a telephone number all over the World they will find it for you! Just have the paitence with the beginning adds and you have a free 411 call. I am addictected to their services that I no longer even use our telephone directories that I have from all over! So Please try 1-800-free-411 today You will love it yourselves but Please be paitent ok. and than you will have free telephone calls. Pastor Diana Brevan Of Inverness Florida

  • 65 Posted by trishnchristian@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    Ok, this free service rocks. I make all my employees use it. Just the other day I was out to eat and over heard a father getting on to his daughter for using $40.00 in Directory Service last month. On my way out I told him about 1-800-free-411, his face just lit up and thanked me beyond wild! Christian Anderson

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