The following are clarified about the directory enquiry services.
 
The European Law on Electronic Communications requires the development of competition in the specific market and this core requirement has led the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) to timely make provision in the new National Numbering Plan (NNP) for the 118 ΧΧ series in order for interested providers to render such services. The introduction of this provision is in line with the relevant CEPT (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications) recommendation suggesting that European states:
a) designate access code 118 to identify voice directory enquiry services; and
b) allocate 118 ΧΧ number space to access voice directory enquiry services in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
It is stressed that the vast majority of European states - including Greece - have complied with the foregoing Recommendation.
 
Increased interest has already been and continues to be expressed in Greece on the part of providers to engage in activities in this market. EETT allocates access codes to all interested companies strictly on the basis of the principle of time priority, in order to ensure impartiality and transparency. All interested Special License holders can apply for any one of the available access codes they wish. Where more than one applications are filed for the same access code, priority shall be kept. In this context, ΕΕΤΤ may not reject the request of any interested party for the 118 ΧΧ access code, if such request has not been preceded in time by another application for the same code and if such code is available.
 
To this date, EETT has allocated the following access codes for directory enquiry services requested by the following providers:

It is pointed out that directory enquiry services market is fully liberalized (subject to protection of personal data), hence providers are free to establish the rates for their services. It is reminded that EETT aiming at protecting consumers and ensuring that they are adequately informed, has obliged directory enquiry service providers to provide a clear description of the service in a recorded message free of charge.
 
It is stressed that the competitive provision of directory enquiry services is the main concern of the European legislative framework and the European Commission is investigating the compliance of Member States, reserving its right to take action in cases of non-compliance. In recent years, EETT is trying to following and implement applicable regulations in order for Greece to adapt to the requirements of European Law in this area.