Your first source for Sin City information will add new writers, columns, and helpful tips for 2023…
411 is the telephone number for Directory Assistance. For you and I, those three digits have always been synonymous with “information”. More than just numerals, they’ve become a part of pop culture in songs like “What’s The 411?” by Mary J. Blige. But as of this month. 411 Directory Assistance is going away.
Changes in technology have made landlines essentially obsolete. Almost everyone has mobile phones, even retirees. You can “Google” anything you need to know right from your handheld devices. Even so, the end of 411 this month is newsworthy.
South Florida’s SUN-SENTINEL reported in September of 2021 that AT&T would be removing 411 from its cell phone operations. The communications giant promised at the time to continue 411 for their landlines but has decided to hang up on that. The news didn’t sit well with seniors, who’ve already had to deal with the loss of traditional phone books.
CNN Business reported this week on AT&T’s elimination of 411, which includes the demise of telephone operators. At one time, you could dial “zero” from your landline to obtain the current time and weather information, arrange a collect call, or even request emergency services. Yes, our needs have changed, but we’ll still have cliched movie scenes like the one below. How many times have you seen a frightened character grab an old phone, tap on the button, and say “Hello? Hello? Operator?” Ah…good times.
According to Bloomberg, one of the first to start cutting back on traditional phone services was Verizon. In 2000, the company rolled out an automated menu to reduce the number of calls human operators would receive. It was the biggest change in telecommunications since the advent of automated switchboards in 1965.
Here at VEGAS 411, those three digits will continue to represent “information”. We pride ourselves in offering advice on show and restaurant selections, updates on current trends, and news on sporting events. We have columns dedicated to conventions, family-friendly activities, gambling tips, adults-only programming, and shopping recommendations.
Need to know about the latest in parking fees? VEGAS 411 has you covered. Want to avoid low-rated destinations or poorly-executed productions? We have that too. And of course. my VEGAS UNFILTERED column, along with VEGAS JUSTICE by my colleague Gunnar McDixie, will continue to uncover the underbelly of Sin City. Celebrity misdeeds and ruthless scammers will feel the wrath of our relentless hammers.
The new year is wide open, and our Chief Editor is expanding the VEGAS 411 palate to include additional writers. With a bigger team of diverse writers, we’ll be able to appeal to more demographics. Our goal is to have a broader reach throughout the tourism industry. It’s 2023, which also means a greater interest in the LGBTQ community. So we’ll have more coverage for those readers and tourists, too.
Our VEGAS 411 partner TicketKite will also be there to help you get the best deals on entertainment. TicketKite offers discounted prices on large-scale productions, intimate performances, and rip-roaring concerts. It’s your one-stop shop for celebrities, burlesque, comedy, variety, and everything in between. Click here to check them out.
So while other information giants are chipping away at their services, VEGAS 411 will be committed to growth. We can’t promise the return of Directory Assistance, but we’re renewing our promise to you. Facts, opinions, predictions, and money-saving tips are yours to discover. So visit VEGAS 411 every day and have a fantastic new year. Welcome to Las Vegas!
