Batelco starts distribution of its 2006 - 2007 Telephone Directory

A total of 127,000 Arabic and 113,000 English copies have been printed this year to make provision for one directory per line in either language.

More than 240,000 Arabic and English telephone directories are currently being distributed free of charge to customers by Batelco's distribution agent, Memo Express. Every effort is made to ensure the efficient delivery of the directories. If customers are unavailable, or if the directory cannot be left safely at the customer's entrance, a "No Access" calling card will be left at the premises. For major business deliveries, the receiver's signature will be requested for Batelco's records. A special helpdesk, accessible daily on 80001808 from 8am to 6pm has been set up for customers who wish to obtain a copy of the undelivered directory.

During distribution, a survey will be conducted to evaluate the current delivery process with a view to streamlining and improving the process.

Also for the eighth consecutive year, our distributors will collect old directories for recycling as part of our environmental awareness initiative. "We would therefore like to urge our customers to participate with us in saving the environment by returning the old telephone directories when the new ones are delivered."

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 1788 3030 or by fax on 1727 4251. The online directory also makes provision for customers to communicate directly with Batelco's Directory Updating Section by email to put forward updates, complaints and comments.

The annually published telephone directory is supplemented by Batelco's paperless online directory service, which can be accessed at: www.batelco.com.

With the need for instant information at an all time high, Batelco's online directory service could not be a more useful tool. Quick and easy to navigate, the directory allows users to search for numbers simply by entering the name of the person they wish to find rather than searching through pages of names and numbers.

In line with Batelco's main objective to increase customer satisfaction and provide high levels of service, the online directory provides a convenient, easy way of accessing directory information. By reducing the considerable workload and pressure on the directory enquiries staff, this initiative will impact positively on efficiency and productivity within the section.

Commenting on the online directories, Ahmed Al Janahi, Head of Corporate Affairs at Batelco said, "The online directory is a powerful, time-saving tool, both for our customers and our employees who may better service enquiries now they have more time to deal with each individual client."

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 if errors arise.