Amidst the chatter about the iPhone 3G S and iPhone cultists' users' hate/hate relationship with AT&T, here's another bit of bad news for AT&T subscribers: reader Mark e-mailed to let us know that the cost of directory assistance calls will go up to $1.99 on July 1. Fortunately, when you need 411 service, you don't have to pay for it.

Free directory assistance is available from both Google and Microsoft (under the Bing brand):

1-800-GOOG-411
1-800-BING-411 (also 1-800-CALL-411)
1-800-FREE-411 (requires listening to a short ad)

If your phone has access to the Interweb, 411 is pretty pointless, but it's nice to know that it's there when you lack a data connection or are stuck with something less than a smartphone.

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3 Ways To Call 411 For Free

(Photo: cogdog)