AT&T/Cingular trial free ad-supported directory service

AT&T and Cingular Wireless, the carrier's mobile venture with BellSouth, are trialing a new advertising-supported directory service that eliminates fees for subscribers who agree to listen to an advertisement before receiving their requested phone number. The free service requires callers seeking a specific business listing listen to a pitch from a rival company before receiving the number they requested; consumers seeking a general category, such as taxi cab service, will also hear an ad prior to a given listing. AT&T, which currently charges Cingular subscribers $1.50 per directory inquiry, launched the trial in three markets: Bakersfield, Calif., Oklahoma City and Columbus, Ohio.

For more on the free directory service:
- read this San Antonio Business Journal article

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- InfoSpace launches local mobile search for Sprint