You have to basically transact business to make money or provide valuable information for which you can charge consumers. These companies were not charging for any information they provided because most of them were offering the same kind of services. There was no value addition. A good company can charge its customers for the service and information it provides them. For example, The Wall Street Journal charges for the information it provides.
People pay for such services because there is value for money.
A business model should provide quantitative and qualitative advantages to customers. If a company can provide a good service, people will be happy to pay for it. A good service provider will always get customers. In fact, a customer will always see whether he gets a discount or delivery at home or other similar benefits from a service provider. For instance, if somebody offers you his services to pay the electricity or telephone bill or offers assistance in procuring your passport or ration card, you will be happy to pay for such services.