Directory assistance services Retiring the number 12 and replacing it with six-digit numbers beginning with 118 Meet the Press Friday 4 February 2005

February The evolution of directory assistance services in France Why retire the number 12? The number 12 and other directory assistance services numbers will be replaced by six-digit numbers beginning with 118 Consumers will have access to universal directory data via all 118 numbers How will 118 numbers be allocated? April 3 rd, 2006: the "12" will no longer be operational How will consumers be informed?

February A - From 12 to 118 Why retire the number 12? –In order to put an end to the distortion of competition caused by the use of different number formats (12, three- or four-digit numbers, etc.) –A decision by the Conseil d’Etat requires ART to: Define the conditions for allocating numbers with the same format for all operators offering directory assistance services Revise the numbering plan so that the number 12 is no longer used for directory assistance services

February A - From 12 to 118 (cont'd) ART decided to replace the number 12 and other access numbers to directory assistance services (such as those of mobile operators) with six-digit numbers –Following an ECTRA recommendation, ART has chosen the range of numbers beginning with 118, a number used in many other European countries –Of the 1,000 numbers theoretically available, 100 will be frozen (the 1181 range)

February B – Consumers will have access to universal directory data via all 118 numbers All directory assistance services using a 118 number will be required to offer at least universal directory service –i.e. the equivalent of the white pages –This includes fixed and mobile numbers, as well as Voice-Over-IP numbers with the 087 format used to call via Internet set-up boxes, for example, and 3BPQ and 08 numbers to call free phone or premium services 118 numbers can also offer their users other services –Including international directory assistance, professional directories, reverse directories, foreign language services, call forwarding, directory assistance via SMS or , etc.

February C – How will 118 numbers be allocated? Telephone numbers are generally allocated on a first-come, first- served basis However, in order to meet significant initial demand, the 118 numbers will initially be distributed by a draw –Only one application will be accepted for all affiliates of a single group, and a maximum of ten 118 numbers will be authorised per group –The 1181YZ range (100 numbers) will be frozen, and not allocated –In order to prevent speculation, 118 numbers may not be transferred to another operator for a period of two years

February D – Important dates April 3 rd, 2006: the “12” is no longer operational –April 15 th, 2005 (noon): application deadline –May 11 th, 2005: draw for 118 numbers –November 2 nd, 2005: operational launch of first 118 numbers –April 3 rd, 2006: the number 12 and other former services (612, 712, 222, 3200, etc.) are no longer operational - users will be informed by a recorded message –April 3 rd, 2007: final closure of the number 12 and other directory services not in 118 format N.B.: This timetable depends on the Government’s publication of its decree establishing the level of the numbering fees for 118 numbers

February E – What will change for consumers? The end of the "12" may cause confusion for some consumers –ART is aware that the replacement of the number 12 by 118 may cause confusion for some consumers –This is why it has initiated discussions with Government departments on the most effective ways of informing the public –Consumer associations (who will meet at ART soon) will be closely involved in this information process –ART will hold surveys to measure the quality of the various directory assistance services Measurements will be made public, shared with the media and consumer associations.

February E – How much will 118 services cost? As is the case today, the prices of these services will be set freely by individual 118 service providers Except for the universal directory service provider - currently France Telecom - whose prices will continue to be regulated –Currently €0.80 from a fixed line / €0.901 beginning March 3 rd, 2005

February F - Consumer rights concerning universal directory services A decree is being drafted –The universal directory and directory service decree in application of the "electronic communications" law All operators (including mobile operators) will be required to inform subscribers of their rights –Subscribers’ personal data (including mobiles and 0870) will appear in the directory –Subscribers may decide whether they want the personal data of the users of their line (e.g. name, address, ) to be provided by a directory service –Users can hide some of their personal data (e.g. address, first name)