Batelco issues new eco-friendly telephone directory

A total of 127,000 Arabic and 113,000 English copies have been printed this year to provide for one directory per line in either of the two languages.

This means that more than 240,000 Arabic and English telephone directories are currently being distributed free of charge to customers by one of Batelco's distribution agents.

"Every effort is being made to ensure the efficient delivery of the directories," explains Ahmed Aljanahi, Senior Manager - Corporate Affairs at Batelco. "If customers are unavailable, or if the directory cannot be left safely at the customer's entrance, a "No Access" card will be left at the premises. For major business deliveries, the receiver's signature will be requested for Batelco's records."

"We have set up a special helpdesk number (17 801 808), which is accessible daily from 8am to 6pm, for customers who wish to obtain a copy of the undelivered directory."

During distribution, Batelco will be conducting a survey to evaluate the current delivery process with a view to streamlining and improving the process for the future.

Also, for the seventh consecutive year, Batelco and its distribution agent will collect old directories for recycling as part of the company's environmental awareness initiative. "We urge our customers to participate with us in helping to save the environment by returning the old telephone directories when the new ones are delivered," continues Ahmed.

In addition to listing customer names and appropriate service numbers for Batelco's telecommunications services, the directory also contains the emergency and public services numbers, government listings, general information about Batelco's products and services and classified business listings in the Yellow Pages.

The errata card included with each directory should be used to advise Batelco of any corrections, wrong listings or omissions. This can also be done by contacting Batelco's Directory Helpdesk by phone on 17 883 030 or by fax on 17 274 251.

Updates, corrections and comments can also be made via Batelco's Online Directory, which serves as a paperless supplementary directory service, which can be accessed via the company's website on: www.batelco.com
With the need for instant information at an all time high, Batelco's online directory service is quick and easy to navigate, allowing users to search for numbers simply by entering the name of the person or business they wish to find - rather than searching through pages of names and numbers.

In line with Batelco's main objectives of increasing customer satisfaction and providing high levels of service, the online directory provides a convenient, easy-to-use way of accessing directory information. By reducing the considerable workload and pressure on the directory enquiries staff, this initiative has already had a positive impact on efficiency and productivity within the section.

"The online directory is a powerful, time-saving tool - both for our customers and our employees, who can now better serve customers with complicated enquiries, giving them more time to deal with each individual client," explained Ahmed.

To ensure the privacy of its customers, Batelco has implemented strict access control, which allows search by name only. The nature of the directory also means that it is easier to update and correct errors. The Online Directory includes a facility for customers to communicate directly with Batelco's directory updating section via email to make updates and comments.