Until 2003, you could call directory enquiries (to find out the phone number of someone if you knew their name and address) by dialing 192. That system was privatized, and you had to dial 118 NNN, where the NNN was the number assigned to a commercial service provider, the most famous of which became 118 118.

So the joke in the show was basically, "what if we did to emergency services what we did to directory enquiries".

[–] Aggravationstation@lemmy.world 4 points 10 months ago

Lol yea, I forgot that happened.

Don't think I've ever used directory enquiries in my life. I was 16 in 2003 and we already had the internet at home by then.

[–] 15liam20@lemmy.world 3 points 10 months ago (1 children)

How do you know? When is the last time you checked?

[–] Aggravationstation@lemmy.world 3 points 10 months ago

You're right. I'd best give them a call to be on the safe side. Sure they won't mind if I explain why.