Callers spoilt for choice

Callers now have a plethora of choices when it comes to calling directory inquiries.

While still able to call the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority line, there are now also a number of private options, some which also provide additional choices such as having the requested number send directly to your phone via SMS message or connecting you to the number you are calling.

Perhaps the best thing about the new status quo, however, is that callers, for the most part, no longer have to wait in queue to get the number they are looking for.

What callers should keep in mind though is that the charges for the service vary from company to company and additional services often come with an extra direct or indirect charge.

 This means that calls may turn out more expensive that the caller expects, sometimes costing more for a local call than one of the same duration overseas.

According to an investigation by Politis newspaper, the Telecommunication Regulator’s office will shortly be

carrying out an investigation into the way the lines operate.

The lines will also be subject to quality control and consumers will be also informed of the average time it takes each line to find a number, enabling them to choose the quickest and increasing competitiveness between the companies. Officials at the Regulator’s office confirmed all this.

The following is a brief outline of the various companies, the services they provide and their charges follow:

CyTA (11892): Although the services new pricing policy has been sent to the Telecommunication Regulator, there is currently an 18.8 cents flat rate per call. Sending the requested number to the caller via SMS is planned shortly.

Telepassport (11888): The service plans to soon provide direct connections to the requested number at no extra charge. Sending the number to the caller via SMS is also planed in the near future. The service costs 14.8 cents or 15.8 cents per call depending of the time.

Callsat (11833): The service already provides SMS messages of the requested number and is able to connect the caller to directly to the requested number. The company currently operates from 7am-midnight but plans to be open round the clock shortly. There is a 17cents flat rate per call while an extra 1.7 cents per two minutes is charged if the service connects you to the number you have requested. You are charged this for as long as the call last.

Thunderworx (11800): SMS messages of the requested number can be provided by this service. The company aims for the average call length to be less than 35 seconds. There is a 14 cents and 16 cents flat rate per call depending on the time plus 0.15 cents per second charged per second (9 cents per minutes) you stay on the line. This cost remains the same if you are connected directly to the number you have requested.

Infote (11822): This service differs from the others in that it can also provide numbers in others countries including Greece, the UK and the USA. Previously this was only possible through CyTa. There is a 14 cents and 18 cents flat rate depending on the time of the call plus a 0.15 cents charge per second (9 cents per minute) once the line opens. This cost remains the same if you are connected directly to the number you have requested.