Lyla Lindsey
In Australia, 13 numbers are virtual inbound numbers that are not tied to a specific location and can be redirected to any phone line. They are easy to remember and highly sought after by businesses aiming to stand out. Despite their marketing power, 13 numbers are not free to call. Callers from a landline within Australia are charged at the local rate, while mobile rates vary depending on the provider. Additionally, 13 numbers carry an annual government surcharge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of digits | 6 |
| Call costs | Shared between the caller and the business |
| Call cost from a landline | Local call rate |
| Call cost from a mobile | Determined by the caller's service provider |
| Annual government surcharge | $7,980 per year (excluding GST) |
| Number regulated by | Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) |
| Number type | Virtual inbound number |
| Number location | Not tied to a specific location |
| Number redirection | Can be redirected to mobiles, landlines, or call centres |
| Number portability | Can be ported to any location in Australia |
| Number marketing value | High memorability and marketing power |
| Number branding | National appeal and prestige |
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What You'll Learn
13 numbers are virtual inbound numbers
A 13 number is a virtual number that is not tied to a specific phone. Instead, it allows you to control incoming calls by choosing the answer points that will ring when the number is called. These answer points can include landlines, mobile phones, or call answering services. This means that you can redirect your inbound calls to other numbers or areas within your office, and divert calls during busy periods.
A 13 number can also offer a professional image for your business, as callers are greeted with a tailored message. This message can be customised, and calls can be routed to your mobile, voicemail, or any designated line. Voicemails can also be converted into audio files and sent to your email.
There are various providers of 13 numbers, such as Zintel, which offer a range of plans to suit different business sizes. These plans can include a set number of minutes covered by a monthly cost, with excess call times billed at a given rate. There may also be an annual surcharge to the government.
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They are easy to remember and can be used for marketing
13 numbers are virtual inbound numbers that are not tied to a specific location. They can be used to redirect calls to any phone line, including landlines, mobiles, or a business phone system. They are easy to remember due to their short length—they are only six digits long, as opposed to 1300/1800 numbers, which are ten digits long. This makes them a powerful marketing tool, as they can be used on marketing materials such as websites, vans, TV, or radio, enhancing brand recall and marketing impact.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) gives the example of 13 CATS, a six-digit number that is easy to recall and could be used for marketing. 13 numbers can also be used to spell phone words, such as 13 PIZZA, which further enhances their brand recognition and marketing potential.
The ease of remembering 13 numbers can drive higher inquiry and conversion rates, as customers are more likely to reach out when they see a short, easy-to-recall number. This makes 13 numbers a valuable asset for businesses wanting to maximise inbound calls and brand recognition. They can also be used to create a professional image, as callers to a 13 number are greeted with a tailored message, and calls can be routed to various locations or departments within a business.
Overall, 13 numbers are a powerful tool for businesses due to their ease of recall and marketing potential. They can help to create a professional and national brand image, increase inbound calls, and improve brand recognition.
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They are more expensive due to an annual government surcharge
13 numbers in Australia are virtual numbers used exclusively for managing incoming calls. They are commonly used as a single contact point for businesses across Australia. 13 numbers are easy to remember and carry a professional image. They are also easy to set up as they require no cabling system or costly infrastructure. However, they are more expensive than other options due to an annual government surcharge.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulates the usage of 13 numbers and sets the cost entirely. The ACMA has determined that 13 numbers are premium inbound numbers due to their high recall value. As a result, they incur an annual government surcharge of $7,980 per year (excluding GST). This surcharge is in addition to setup costs and ongoing monthly fees. The cost of a 13 number varies depending on availability and the selected number, with prices starting at $250 per year and increasing for numbers that are easier to remember.
The annual government surcharge is a significant cost for businesses using 13 numbers. However, the high memorability and marketing power of 13 numbers make them a valuable asset for businesses wanting to maximise inbound calls and brand recognition. A short, easy-to-recall 13 number can be a powerful marketing tool for a business, helping to create a professional image and increase brand awareness.
Despite the annual government surcharge, 13 numbers offer several benefits that make them attractive to businesses. They provide a unified, portable, and versatile point of contact, allowing businesses to redirect incoming calls to designated answer points instantly. 13 numbers also offer the facility to divert calls during busy call traffic and ensure that no call goes unanswered. Additionally, 13 numbers are not tied to a specific location, increasing mobility for businesses.
In conclusion, 13 numbers in Australia are more expensive than other options due to the annual government surcharge imposed by the ACMA. This surcharge reflects the high demand and memorability of 13 numbers, making them a valuable asset for businesses seeking to enhance their brand and maximise inbound calls. While the surcharge is a significant cost, the benefits of 13 numbers in terms of marketing power and call management make them a worthwhile investment for many businesses.
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They are regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
13 numbers in Australia are virtual numbers used exclusively for managing incoming calls. They are six digits long, excluding the prefix '13'. They are easy to remember and can be used as a marketing tool for businesses. However, they are not free to call and are subject to standard local call charges from any fixed-line phone in Australia. Mobile calls are billed at a rate determined by the service provider. Additionally, 13 number users pay an annual surcharge to the government.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is a statutory government authority within the Communications portfolio. ACMA was formed on July 1, 2005, through the merger of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and the Australian Communications Authority. As a converged regulator, ACMA is responsible for overseeing the integration of telecommunications, broadcasting, radio communications, and the internet.
ACMA collects revenue for the Australian government through broadcasting, radiocommunication, and telecommunication taxes, charges, and license fees. It also administers a complaints mechanism for Australian residents and law enforcement agencies to report prohibited online content, including child sexual abuse material. ACMA works with industry and citizens to address concerns and mitigate risks arising from the evolving networked society and information economy.
ACMA has a broad range of functions spread across multiple pieces of legislation, including the Telecommunications Act 1997, Broadcasting Services Act 1992, and Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005. Its key roles can be categorized into compliance, rule enforcement, and authorisations. Compliance involves monitoring the communications industry, handling complaints, maintaining registers, and conducting inspections and investigations. Rule enforcement entails administering industry codes and standards, applying sanctions and penalties, and issuing formal warnings for breaches of industry legislation. Lastly, ACMA authorises licenses and maintains applicable standards for licensees.
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Call costs are shared between the caller and the business
In Australia, 13 numbers are virtual inbound numbers that are not tied to a specific location and can be routed to any existing phone line, including mobiles, landlines, or a business phone system. They are highly memorable and are considered a marketing tool for businesses.
The cost of calls to 13 numbers is shared between the caller and the business. Callers using fixed-line phones anywhere in Australia incur no charge, paying only the standard local call charges. However, mobile callers may be charged a rate determined by their service provider.
Businesses that use 13 numbers must pay an annual government surcharge set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). This surcharge is currently $7,980 per year (excluding GST). This additional cost makes 13 numbers more expensive than other options, such as 1800 and 1300 numbers.
The benefit of 13 numbers is that they are short and easy to remember, making them a valuable marketing asset for businesses aiming to increase brand recognition and maximise inbound calls. They also provide a professional image, giving the impression of a large, national company.
Overall, while 13 numbers come with an added cost for businesses, their marketing power and high memorability can make them a worthwhile investment for companies looking to enhance their brand and improve customer engagement.
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Frequently asked questions
No, 13 numbers are not free to call. Callers from a landline within Australia are charged at the local rate, while mobile rates vary depending on the caller's provider.
A 13 number is a virtual inbound number that is not tied to a specific location. It is often used by businesses to redirect calls to any existing phone line, including landlines, mobiles, or a business phone system.
Calls to 13 numbers from landlines within Australia are charged at the local rate, which is often a low, untimed charge. Mobile call rates vary depending on the caller's service provider.
No, 13 numbers are not toll-free. While calls from landlines are charged at the local rate, there is also an annual government surcharge associated with 13 numbers, set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
