mocoblog

Need the Info… Flat Rate 411 for your Mobile

On average your a call from your cell phone to 411 will cost you $1.25. Mobile phone users on the road, unable to access the Internet, tend to rack up quite a hefty bill over the course of the year. Enter [AnswerBeam](http://www.answerbeam.com).

For $99.95/year, subscribers will have unlimited access to driving directions, phone directory information, addresses, flight information, weather, and even the location of the closest Starbuck’s. The AnswerBeam operators will also read from hotel websites, check availability, prices and amenities.

For millions of Americans, cell phones are necessary, accompanying them on the road when their land-line can’t. Studies indicate 411 calls on U.S. cell phones soared to 1.7 billion in 2004 from 900 million in 2000 — finding that only 5% of mobile phone users actually knew how much a cellular 411 call costs; 9% thought calls were free, while 52% had no idea how much they paid.

But averaging $1.25/call, Americans spent $2.2 billion last year on calls to 411 alone.

Cell phone providers offering increasingly extensive services lure consumers with horoscopes, sports scores, winning lottery numbers and traditional 411 information; consumers end up paying exorbitant fees and using up airtime minutes.

Wow. The cellcos have created a market for 411 by driving their prices up. Personally, I would use TellMe if I needed any “internet information” while on the road. Although, Verizon’s 411 service has come in handy when looking up movie times. I don’t abuse 411 services that often so usually I am willing to suck up 1-3 calls a month at $1.25 $1.49 - Ouch! Perhaps, not anymore.

Link to full press release