ORANGE FRANCE LAUNCHES 118 712 BY TEXT

Orange has launched an SMS directory enquiries service called “118 712 by text” in France. It allows mobile users, with any operator in Metropolitan France, to look up professionals or individuals or perform reverse searches. The user needs to enter an activity or name along with the city or postcode and send it to 118 712. For reverse search one can simply enter a 10-digit telephone number and SMS it to 118 712. Pricing for the service is € 0.50 per request, in addition to cost of the SMS depending on one’s mobile plan. If there are multiple results, 118 712 by text offers a list of up to five choices. Users can then send a text requesting further information at no additional cost for three of the results. There is no charge levied if the service is unable to respond to any user request. In France, Orange also operates 118 712 landline and mobile voice service and the 118712.fr online directory site. -Smarajit Dasgupta