Abstract: A telephone comprising a handset and an apparatus for receiving the handset provided with an alpha-numerical key-board, an alpha-numeral display, a programmed data processing unit, a read only memory and a random access memory associated with each other and with the data processing unit, an automatic dialing circuit controlled by the data processing unit and a communications controller for modulating data produced by the unit for transmission by the telephone line and for demodulating signals received from the telephone. The unit is programmed so as to be able to command an operation by means of the telephone line in dependence upon data received therefrom or derived from the keyboard. The keyboard includes a directory inquiries data bank key associated with the data processing unit.