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Telecoms watchdog Ofcom has said it is planning a review of 118 enquiry numbers after the cost of calls to the directory lines spiralled over the last 15 years.

The pricing system currently in place allows companies to charge a flat-rate connection fee - usually around £7, according to Ofcom - with several pounds per minute also added on throughout the call.

There are a number of 118 numbers providing directory services, including offerings from Yell and BT.

The six-digit numbers were first launched in 2002 to replace the previous 192 system.

At the time it was said the new numbers would help improve directory services and drive down costs through competition, but charges have since soared.

Perhaps the most well known is 118 118, owned by a directory called The Number.

It charges customers a minimum of £8.98 for calls of less than a minute, with another £4.49 added on for every minute the call lasts.

BT's 118 500 service costs a minimum of £5.50 per call, increasing by £2.75 for each additional minute.

Consumers can also accrue huge bills by agreeing to be transferred through from the directory line to the number they are looking for, as they'll continue to pay 118 rates until they finish the call.

Ofcom has previously declined to cap the costs of 118 services, but now says it will be reviewing that decision.

A spokesman for the watchdog said: "Ofcom is very concerned about the rising prices of some 118 numbers, and we are already planning to review this market to ensure prices are transparent and fair to consumers."

Alex Neill, Which? managing director of Home Products and Services, says 118 charges should be clear and transparent so that customers aren't caught unaware by large bills.

"Our advice to consumers looking to avoid being hit with these exorbitant charges is to check online for a cheaper, more direct way to obtain a contact number," she said.