Great tips!! My cell phone bill is almost $75 a month and with the way gas prices are going, I could use every tip you have!!

On a side note, I have used free 411 services for some time now but have recently switched to a new service I heard about called 1-800-411-SAVE (7283) which is similar to the one you mention but the service is provided by people and not machines.

I have unlimited text messages and not very many airtime minutes, so instead of calling the number you suggested or Instead of using 411 you can also send a text message to Google (text GOOGL - 46645). I usually type something like "Pottery Barn Norfolk, VA" and it will text you back with phone numbers!

1-800-GOOG-411 is by far the best free 411 service provided by Google.

Voice activated allows you to connect to places for free.

Also you can instant message google for same info.

There's a free 411 service that plays 30-second ads before they give you the info you're looking for. It's 800-373-3411. It is also provided via a machine like Mary mentioned. And I know several others that use the Google texting that Amber recommended.

Wow! Great information. I sometimes need to use 411 in the car, but now I know how to use it free. Thank you so much for all the advice.

Instead of getting their own plans, I've added my son and daughter-in-law to my plan. Each additional phone is only $10 per month and we share the minutes. When we went over the allowance one month, I called Verizon and changed our plan to one with more minutes. The savings came when I asked them to recalculate my prior bill with the new plan! So instead of paying $120 for all those extra minutes, I paid the $15 for the upgrade in plan. At first they said they couldn't do it but it was a semantics thing. If you ask them to recalculate your bill, they should do it.

All great tips. Keep 'em coming.

Is there a way to do this with ALLTEL service?

This site explains my tip, so I just copied it below, http://www.sms411.net/2006/07/google-via-sms.html.

Did you know that you can search Google on your phone, just by using SMS? That's right-- you don't need a fancy Web-browsing phone or an expensive Internet access subscription package. All you need is text messaging and a little know-how.

Here's how it works: You send a message to Google's SMS number (46645 -- that spells GOOGL on your phone's keypad) and within seconds Google sends an SMS message (or two or three) back to you with the results. Easy!

For example, suppose you wanted to find a pizzeria in for the ZIP code 94401. Bring up your phone's text messaging screen and enter the message pizza 94401.

Then send it to 46645. (That's an SMS "short code," so it's only 5 digits long instead of the usual 10 digits that most phone numbers are. Don't worry--it'll work.) After you hit "Send," wait a minute.

After Google searches its database it will send the results to you in an SMS message or two. The results will usually include a phone number, address, and the distance and direction from the center of your ZIP code.

Note: I do this to find out where a certain store is at near me if I'm in an unfamiliar city, such as "Target store, Seattle, Wa" and it will give me the closest Target stores in and around Seattle. Its OK not to know the zip code.

Here is an explanation from Google about their non-text service:
Call your favorite local business. Dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411), then name the business you’re looking for and where it’s located. GOOG-411 will find it and connect you to it for free.

Local business information through SMS. Say “text message” after you hear the exact location of the business you’re looking for, and GOOG-411 will send you a text message with the business’s address and phone number.

No more 411 charges. GOOG-411 is a free service – even the call connecting you to the business you're looking for is free. (Carrier charges for the use of your mobile device may apply.)

Google text is now spelled out in full. The free text service allows you to do a regular google search, get directions, find restaurants and places of interest, etc. Send your inquiry text GOOGLE. Google also offers a free 411 service called GooG411. Call 1-800-GOOG-411

Ferb -- Alltel's is xxxxxxxxx@alltelmessage.com

This isn't really a cell phone tip... but it is related. When we get a new phone book, I put the old one in my trunk. The free 411 services are great, but when you don't remember the exact name or want to peruse options the phone book is the best (if you can't access the web on your phone).

I like using the Google services for information. I tried the 1-800-free-411, didn't know the exact name of a company and kept getting "invalid" responses. Then I got several advertisement text messages from Free 411.

Cingular is now AT&T, so the address is: 5555555555@txt.att.net.

WONDERFUL.

For FREE directory access, I always use 800-GOOG-411. Google's directory assistance will automatically connect you to the number instead of having to write it down then call it again.

Just a thought

For FREE directory access, I always use 800-GOOG-411. Google's directory assistance will automatically connect you to the number instead of having to write it down then call it again.

Just a thought

If a text message is sent from the computer where will the response to? Back to the computer???? Is there a charge for it being rec'd by the computer?

A couple things to add regarding 1-800-FREE411, for ease of comparison: the Google number only has business listings, whereas we have business, gov't, and residential listings.

Also, our voice automation is impressive, according to speechtechmag: http://www.speechtechmag.com/Articles/News/Industry-News/Nuance-Unveils-Nuance-Voice-Search-36111.aspx

Lastly, our callers have the option of having driving directions texted to them immediately following a call.

cheers,
Jay

p.s. to Rebekah: Callers can opt-out of receiving text messages by replying with a text message with the word STOP. STOP is the Mobile Marketing Association's standard opt-out phrase. We also recommend that you listen carefully to the prompts on the system so that if you press a key you know what you are requesting.

I cannot get the alltel address to work.... I used xxxxxxxxxx@alltelmessage.com to test it out about an hour ago and have not yet received the message... Help???

I'm always annoyed by those automated 411 directory services. They get messed up your request, they cant's understand us and we can't' understand them either. The worst part of it... we get charged for this nonsense. I've tried using 1-800-411-save and was I surprised with the service. Warm and pleasant operators and you get the information that you want. The best part of it all... it's for FREE!!!