Sprint PCS said it will begin offering enhanced directory assistance services from Infonxx in a move that could save the carrier millions of dollars.
Infonxx said that in addition to providing local and national directory assistance, the company would offer a number of enhanced services, including restaurant reservations, driving directions, event information, sports scores, category searches, stock quotes, reverse searches, weather conditions and Spanish-language directory assistance.
Sprint PCS added that for each call made to directory assistance, a customer can receive up to three numbers or items of information and be connected to a requested number for an additional charge plus applicable local airtime.
According to industry sources, Sprint PCS previously used Metro One Telecommunications Inc.’s directory assistance services under contract until the end of last year and has since been in negotiations with a number of vendors. While financial terms of the agreements were not released, analysts have previously noted Metro One charged its carrier customers an average of 48 cents per call, and Sprint PCS was looking to lower its costs to the mid-30-cent per call range.
Sprint PCS also announced an agreement with At Road Inc. to provide mobile resource management services using Sprint PCS’ network.
Under the terms of the agreement, At Road will offer enterprise customers a bundled solution that includes its mobile resource management services and devices with an embedded CDMA module that has been certified for use as part of Sprint PCS’ telemetry services. The carrier added the offering provides an alternative to customers looking to migrate from CDPD networks, which are in the process of being phased out in favor of next-generation data networks.
