BellSouth Corp. is trialing an enhanced business category search service as part of its operator services portfolio, the company said Tuesday. The BellSouth EasyBusinessFinder service allows landline callers to do detailed, keyword searches for local businesses by using 411.
The trial will run in the Atlanta 678 area code for 90 days and will allow detailed searches similar to the yellow pages via a live operator. For example, a customer who desires to locate a pizza parlor that delivers, a tire dealer that sells a certain brand of tires or a florist that specializes in orchids can now search over the phone using these specific criteria. BellSouth EasyBusinessFinder service will deliver the business phone number to the customer based on his or her request.
"BellSouth EasyBusinessFinder takes directory assistance to the next level by combining the power of an Internet-type search with the clarity of a live operator," said Gloria Reese, president of operator services at BellSouth.
When customers dial 411 for directory assistance, BellSouth EasyBusinessFinder service will be listed as an optional feature on the system. After selecting BellSouth EasyBusinessFinder service, a live operator will greet the caller and assist in finding the name and phone number of the specific business type requested.
The service will be available 24/7 during the trial. BellSouth will evaluate customer feedback and statistics to determine future deployment plans for BellSouth EasyBusinessFinder service.
BellSouth Corp. www.bellsouth.com
