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New SMS Directory Enquiry Service on the UK market August 20th, 2003 London, United Kingdom: Inspire Infrastructure (UK) Ltd. today announces the launch of a new SMS directory service that will be the cheapest and most reliable way for a mobile consumer to get a number from directory enquiries. With 88118, consumers will be able to save up to 50% by using SMS instead of calling 118 numbers from their mobile phone. The landscape of the UK Directory Services Industry will be forever altered when British Telecom’s current monopoly via 192 ceases on August 24th. An array of over 20 companies is ready to take a share of this £ 300 million market. 88118 is unique in offering directory enquiry using text messages; by focusing on SMS, 88118’s directory service gets the consumer the right results, even with the spelling and other mistakes common to SMS messages. “Getting the user the right results first time is the key to customer satisfaction,” said Antony Waldorf, CEO Inspire Infrastructure. “88118’s artificial intelligence technology is the key to a useful SMS directory service. It takes really great technology to interpret what a user really is looking for. It is not like the Internet where it is easy for the user to clarify or alter their search.” 88118’s SMS directory enquiries offer consumers real value. Typical rates on mobile phones for 118 numbers are often well in excess of the advertised rates from fixed lines. SMS directory services have no hidden costs, and results can easily be stored in the phone’s address book. 88118’s cost of 50 pence is priced well below directory assistance calls from any mobile, which can be as much as £ 1 per call. High user value and satisfaction have made SMS directory services extremely popular in other parts of Northern Europe. SMS directory enquiries have already captured up to 18% of the total directory enquiries marketplace in parts of Scandinavia. A similar success in the UK would create a market worth £63 million per year. About - 88118 88118 is the superior directory service that gives better results at a lower price. The SMS service costs 50 pence per search plus the cost of the user’s standard outgoing SMS message. 88118’s directory enquiry service is available today for customers on the Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange, and O2 networks. Based on Inspire Infrastructure’s advanced directory technology, 88118 brings directory services to the text generation. Users need no special commands or words, getting the right results by simply sending in to 88118 the name of the person or business followed by the approximate location (town, postcode or city). Example: Luke angell harley street london S Gomez Birmingham Odeon Cinema Leicester Square Pizza W1D More information can be found at www.88118.co.uk Journalists can arrange for a free Web test account by e-mailing to info@inspireinfrastructure.com About - Inspire Infrastructure Inspire Infrastructure is a key enabler in of next-generation directory services. Inspire powers directory services in 8 European countries including services for leading European directory groups such as Findexa, VNU World Directories, and the 88118 brand. Inspire’s mission is simple; provide the highest value proposition to users of directory services; Inspire’s advanced search technology delivers the most relevant results, with unparalleled ease of use.