There are at least four (4) free Directory Assistance (Information) numbers. Try them all to see which one you prefer. They can be used from any phone. You may want to add one or more to your speed dial on your cell phone and at home.

  1-800-GooG411 (1-800-466-4411) is provided by, yes, you guessed it---Google. GOOG-411 is available in the US and Canada for US and Canadian business listings.  You can't look up your friend's (residential) phone number.

1-800-555-TELL (1-800-555-8355) is a provided by Tellme, a Microsoft subsidiary. This, too, is only business listings, but it also provides a whole lot more---stock quotes, news, sports, entertainment (movie listings), and travel. You can download the application to your Blackberry (I don't believe other phones are supported yet).

1-800-YellowPages  (1-800-935-5697) is provided by AT&T. It is free directory assistance for all 50 states. It covers business, government, and residential listings. You must listen to a 5 to 10 second ad.

 1-800-FREE411 (1-800-373-3411) is provided by Jingle Networks. It covers business, government, and residential listings. You must listen to a 10 second commercial from one of their advertisers. You can also visit their website: http://www.free411.com/ to look up any phone number. International is not supported yet.

 ENJOY. Please let me know what you think. Also, please post any corrections you find while experimenting with these services. Thanks!