Lexi Webster
1300 numbers are ten-digit inbound business numbers that are very common in Australia. They are often used by businesses as they are equipped with many features such as voicemail, IVR, advanced routing, and call recording. In Australia, calling 1300 numbers from mobile phones is mostly free, however, the decision to charge for these calls rests with individual service providers. When calling from a landline, the cost of calling a 1300 number is usually the same as the cost of a local call, which is typically a small fee. Calling a 1300 number from outside Australia will attract international call charges and may be restricted by some service providers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of 1300 numbers for callers | Charged at a local call rate if dialling from a fixed landline in Australia. Mobile calls are charged according to the mobile carrier. |
| Cost of 1300 numbers for businesses | Businesses are charged at different rates depending on whether the call is made from a landline or mobile, and if the call is answered on a landline or mobile. |
| Toll-free alternative | 1800 numbers are toll-free for callers and are charged to the business. |
| International calls | It is possible to call a 1300 number from overseas, but connection is not guaranteed as it depends on the international country's telecommunications technology and network. |
| Cost of acquiring a 1300 number | Free numbers are available. More memorable numbers are available for a one-time cost. |
| Call plans | Call plans may include a set number of minutes covered by a monthly cost, with excess call times billed by the second at a given rate. |
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What You'll Learn
1300 numbers are not toll-free
Businesses that use 1300 numbers pay a monthly fee for the service and additional costs for incoming calls. The cost of a 1300 number for a business also depends on the memorability of the number, with more memorable numbers costing more. While 1300 number plans may include unlimited calls, businesses cannot be sure that callers will not incur costs.
Some mobile phone plans include 1300 number calls in their caps, while others charge for them separately. Callers with unlimited call plans can usually call 1300 numbers for free, but this depends on the caller's phone supplier. It is important for callers to understand their plan's charges before calling a 1300 number, as some telcos may charge a connection fee even if the call is not answered.
For businesses that want to provide a toll-free number for their customers, an 1800 number is the best option. While 1800 numbers were previously more expensive than 1300 numbers, increased competition has reduced the cost difference, allowing businesses to offer a free call service with minimal extra cost.
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Callers pay local call rates
In Australia, 1300 numbers are not toll-free. Callers pay local call rates, which vary depending on the caller's phone plan and whether they are calling from a mobile or landline. The cost of calling a 1300 number is shared between the caller and the business owner.
When calling a 1300 number from a fixed landline in Australia, callers are typically charged a standard local call rate. This rate can vary depending on the caller's location and the device used to place the call. Some sources state that calling a 1300 number from an Australian landline usually incurs a small fee of around 25 cents, while others suggest that certain mobile plans can charge up to 40 cents per call. However, some mobile plans with unlimited calls may not charge extra for calling 1300 numbers. Therefore, it is essential to check with your phone supplier to understand the specific charges associated with calling 1300 numbers.
For mobile callers, the rate is determined by their service provider or mobile carrier. Mobile calls to 1300 numbers are typically billed at a higher rate than landline calls. Additionally, some mobile providers may charge a connection fee for calls that are not answered or go to voicemail. It is worth noting that 1300 number plans offered by certain carriers include a set number of minutes covered by a monthly cost, with excess call times billed by the second at a given rate.
Businesses opting for a 1300 number should consider the varying costs for callers. While 1300 numbers provide flexibility in routing options, they may pose a financial burden on callers, particularly those using mobile phones or callers located outside the local area. If a business wishes to provide a toll-free option for its customers, an 1800 number is recommended. 1800 numbers are free for anyone to call from anywhere in Australia, regardless of whether they are using a landline or mobile phone.
In summary, callers pay local call rates when dialling a 1300 number in Australia. These rates can vary depending on the caller's phone plan, location, and device used. Mobile calls are typically billed at a higher rate than landline calls, and certain mobile plans with unlimited calls may not incur extra charges for calling 1300 numbers. Businesses should be mindful of the costs incurred by callers and consider alternative options like 1800 numbers if they want to provide a toll-free experience for their customers.
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Mobile call charges vary
Mobile call charges to 1300 numbers vary depending on the carrier and the type of phone plan. Callers from mobiles are billed at a rate determined by their service provider. Some providers include 1300 number calls in their caps, while others charge for them separately.
Some mobile providers charge a connection fee (flagfall) plus a cost per minute, while others allow free calls between numbers on the same network. Some plans include a set number of minutes covered by a monthly cost, with excess call times billed by the second at a given rate. Many telcos have plans that let you make an unlimited number of calls, which are usually for a certain type of call.
Callers with unlimited call plans can usually call a 1300 number free of charge. However, it is recommended to contact your phone supplier directly to confirm the costs before ringing a 1300 number.
Businesses that promote a 1300 number usually also have a local area number (starting with 02, 03, 07 or 08) that international callers can dial.
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1300 number plans and costs
1300 numbers are powerful business phone numbers that help manage incoming calls and create a professional image. They are ten-digit Australia-wide numbers that allow customers to reach a business at local call rates from anywhere in the country.
There are three components to the cost of a 1300 number: setup fees, monthly service charges, and incoming call rates. Setup fees are one-time costs for acquiring and activating a 1300 number, which may vary depending on the provider and the memorability of the number. Premium numbers, such as those that spell words or have repeated digits, often have higher setup fees.
Monthly charges are ongoing costs to keep the number active and depend on the selected plan, which is tailored to the business's call volume and requirements. Call rates are shared between the business and the caller, with rates depending on the plan and the type of calls received, such as mobile or landline calls.
The cost for a caller to dial a 1300 number is determined by their specific phone plan. While some callers may not be charged at all, the cost is typically capped at around 25 cents per call. However, this may vary depending on the provider and plan.
When choosing a 1300 number plan, it is important to consider the monthly hosting fee and how call rates are charged. Plans that charge in per-second increments are more cost-effective than those that charge in ten-second increments. Additionally, some providers offer bonus call credits and value-added services, such as call analytics and reporting, at no extra cost.
In summary, the cost of a 1300 number plan depends on various factors, including setup fees, monthly charges, call rates, and the specific features included in the plan. It is recommended to review the Critical Information Summary to compare different plans and make an informed decision.
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Alternatives to 1300 numbers
1300 numbers are not toll-free numbers. The cost of calling a 1300 number varies depending on whether the call is made from a fixed landline or a mobile phone. When dialling from a landline in Australia, 1300 number calls are charged as a standard local call. Calls made from a mobile phone are charged according to the mobile carrier rates.
1800 numbers are toll-free numbers, which means they are free for anyone to call from anywhere in Australia. The only downside to 1800 numbers is that they are more expensive for businesses than 1300 numbers. However, due to competition between inbound number carriers and the larger availability of 1800 numbers, the cost difference between 1800 and 1300 numbers has reduced.
If you are a consumer, you can avoid the cost of calling 1300 numbers by calling the business's alternative phone number, if they have one. Some consumers have complained about the lack of alternative phone numbers, especially for phone banking.
If you are a business, you can acquire a Smartnumber alternative to a 1300 number. You can use a tool like www.phonespell.org, which creates words out of any phone number you enter. You can also check the websites of 1300/1800 number providers to see what numbers they have available. Telcos offer these numbers at a significantly lower price than you'll pay for a smart number.
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Frequently asked questions
1300 numbers are premium-rate phone numbers for Australian businesses. It can be free to call a 1300 number, and the caller's phone supplier will determine if there is a charge. Most mobile users with an unlimited plan can usually call a 1300 number free of charge.
Calling a 1300 number from an Australian landline will usually cost a small fee of around 25 cents, but this can vary slightly depending on the caller's provider.
Yes, it is possible to call a 1300 number from outside Australia. To do so, dial the international code of the country you're in, followed by Australia's country code (61), and then the digits of the 1300 number. However, connection is not guaranteed as it depends on the telecommunications technology and network of the country.
