Free 411 Calls? You Bet

Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:07PM EST

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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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  • 7 Posted by ellissw73 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    Definitely worth it. I found out about them some time ago, and it is a great service.

  • 8 Posted by drewmoore4 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've tried this before and it's useless. The operator that answered my call sounded like she was running a day-care center on Halloween while answering calls for 800FREE411 at the same time. Needless to say, nothing was accomplished.

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

    I've been using this service for a year or so I think and I have always had to listen to an ad. Other than that the service is as described above.

  • 12 Posted by sheenareis on Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:06PM EST Report Abuse

    I love Google when on the road. It costs the standard text messanging rates and I don't have to speak to anyone or listen to ads! Just send the info you want to 46645 and get up to 4 listings back!

  • 13 Posted by jrb3907 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    this is nice but dose it cost to have them connect the call even if this is a free service its got a catch some where nothing in this day is free any more everone is out for a quick buck some way.

  • 15 Posted by rcrmeurer on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've been using the Free 411 # for several months now and really like it. I dont mind hearing a short ad to get a free #.

  • 16 Posted by triciawilkerson3 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    Each time I have called it, I am given an incorrect number. Kind of a bummer.

  • 17 Posted by babygirl6512006 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    I haven't found a free directory better. I love free 411. The ad's do play each time you call though, I haven't gotten one without an ad. Hoewever before it became popular it didn't even have ads. Too bad. But it's free, and you got to love free no matter what korny ads play, it works for me. Great article, now you've told my secret to everyone! JK.

  • 18 Posted by zebra13ceo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 11:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    I use Free411 all the time! My favorite feature is if you push "3" after you hear the number, it will text it to your phone. I love it this company, they save me many times when I'm out and about.

  • 19 Posted by acharara59 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    man this is the best free 411 i tried it along ime ago i love it you guys better try it.

  • 20 Posted by laurajseery on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    i'm in san diego and we have 1 800 sandiego which does the same thing...i've used both, but havent noticed one being better than the other

  • 21 Posted by medicdeb on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have been using 1800FREE-411 for several months now and it's great. Especially when you're out on the road making a call from your cell phone. I have 1800FREE-411 programmed in my "contacts" and use it whenever I need to find a number. They will even text message the phone number to your phone!

  • 22 Posted by ypollack16 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    Interesting. Our phone plan (routed through the internet) - Broadvoice.com - actually offers free 411 also. You can dial 411 as usual. wouldn't work on a cell phone though (unless you're at a wireless hotspot and have one of those nifty new wifi phones).

  • 23 Posted by kathy6676 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think Free411 is the best I have found so far too. I have been telling my friends and family about this for awhile. Thanks for making people aware of the service.

  • 24 Posted by catrinaj4362 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:19PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have known about free 411 for the past year now and it works great, I use it all the time.

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