Leslie Massey
Mobile phone numbers are often just as important as identification credentials, and forgetting or losing one's phone number can be a daunting task. In Australia, certain providers allow you to select a unique 'premium' mobile number, which often contains memorable or auspicious sequences of numbers. The first four digits of Australian mobile numbers are allocated to specific carriers, hence these usually can't be customised. However, for a supplementary fee, you can select easy-to-recall sequences for the remaining digits. The price of a custom number can vary from $30 to over $400, depending on the provider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Customisation options | Silver option, Gold option |
| Customisation charges | $19.95, $55, $300, $77, $132, $30, $20, $250, $20,000, $30-$400+ |
| Customisation providers | Vodafone, Optus, Amaysim, Telstra |
| Number of digits | 10 |
| First four digits | 04 |
| First four digits providers | 0400, 0499 (Telstra), 0401, 0411 (Optus), 0404, 0424 (Vodafone) |
| Customisation time | Up to 4 hours |
| Customisation availability | Not available for Upfront plans |
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What You'll Learn
Custom phone numbers for business
In Australia, businesses can purchase custom phone numbers, also known as 'smart numbers', from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). These numbers are catchy and often include memorable combinations of digits, making it easier for customers to identify and recall. The cost of acquiring a custom phone number can vary depending on its memorability, ranging from as low as $250 to upwards of $20,000.
Additionally, businesses can opt for virtual phone numbers, which are legal in Australia and provide a cost-effective solution for establishing a local presence without the need for a physical office. Virtual phone numbers allow businesses to receive calls from anywhere in Australia at local call rates, enhancing accessibility for customers.
When selecting a custom phone number, it's important to consider the restrictions and processes involved. In Australia, the first four digits of mobile numbers are typically allocated to specific carriers, and customisation options may be limited to the remaining six digits. There may also be additional fees and waiting periods when acquiring a premium number.
Overall, custom phone numbers for business offer a unique way to enhance brand recognition and improve customer engagement, contributing to the success of the business in the Australian market.
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Choosing a premium number
In Australia, mobile numbers generally have 10 digits and start with '04'. The first four digits are allocated to carriers, for example, 0400 and 0499 are Telstra numbers, 0401 and 0411 are Optus, and 0404 and 0424 belong to Vodafone. These usually can't be customised. However, you can pay extra to secure a premium, easy-to-remember number sequence for the remaining six digits.
A premium number is a mobile number that includes memorable or auspicious combinations of numbers, such as repeated digits, pairs, and triplets. The rarest of these numbers are known as 'golden' or 'gold' numbers, with more commonplace variations called 'silver' or 'bronze'. Telstra provides two tiers of premium, customisable numbers – Silver and Gold. Generally, these options are reserved for month-to-month customers rather than prepaid customers.
Business owners can also purchase custom phone numbers from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). These smart numbers are catchy 13, 1300, and 1800 numbers. To get one of these, you need to pay a one-time registration charge, plus the cost of the number. The price depends on how memorable the number is, ranging from $250 to $20,000.
If you're looking for a customised phone number for personal use, it's similar to owning a personalised license plate—fun, but not essential. There's no real practical need for a premium number for private use. However, if you're a fan of numerology or have lucky numbers, you can request your preferred combination from a handful of providers.
Providers like Amaysim, Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone let you choose your own mobile number. It's important to note that customising your own mobile phone number may not be a cheap or easy process. It can cost anywhere from $30 to over $400, depending on your provider. Additionally, it may take a while to activate your new premium mobile number, usually up to four hours within certain business hours.
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Select providers for custom numbers
When selecting a mobile phone provider in Australia, you may want to consider choosing your own mobile number. Some providers allow you to do this, with varying degrees of customisation. The first four digits of Australian numbers are allocated to carriers, so you will always have to keep the '04' and sometimes the next two digits too.
There are four main providers that are known to allow customers to choose their own number: Amaysim, Vodafone, Telstra, and Optus. Amaysim is the only MVNO in the list, and it allows you to get a premium number without needing to be on a big telco plan. Changing to a premium number on an Amaysim plan will incur a $30 one-off charge, plus a 'change of number fee' of $20.
Telstra is Australia's largest telco, so it is fitting that they offer customers a choice of mobile numbers. Telstra provides two tiers of premium, customisable numbers: Silver and Gold. These options are generally reserved for month-to-month customers rather than prepaid customers. Telstra is also the most expensive option when choosing your own phone number.
Vodafone also offers a choice of mobile numbers, with a range of Silver and Gold phone numbers. Silver numbers attract a $55 fee, while Gold numbers are $275.
Optus also allows customers to request and buy premium numbers, previously referred to as 'Optus gold numbers'. You can choose a specific pattern or something easy to remember.
It is worth noting that the cost of a custom number can vary from $30 to over $400, depending on your provider. It can also be a hassle to switch providers, so it is important to check with your current provider about their offerings before making any decisions.
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$4.99
Cost of custom numbers
The cost of custom mobile numbers in Australia varies depending on the provider and the type of number desired. Some providers refer to custom numbers as ''premium'' or 'gold' and 'silver' numbers, with gold numbers being the rarest and most expensive.
Vodafone offers gold numbers for $275 and silver numbers for $55 upfront. They also charge a one-off $19.95 fee to change your mobile number, which is in addition to the cost of the custom number. Optus offers gold numbers starting at $130, while Telstra offers gold and silver numbers at varying costs. Amaysim, an MVNO, also offers custom numbers, although the cost is unclear.
For business owners, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) offers 'smart numbers', which are catchy 13, 1300, or 1800 numbers. These numbers come with a one-time registration charge, plus the cost of the number itself, which can range from $250 to $20,000 depending on how memorable the number is.
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Custom number activation time
The time it takes to activate a custom mobile number in Australia depends on the provider. It can take up to four hours to activate a new premium mobile number, and it is usually only done within certain business hours. Some providers may have different activation times, so it is best to double-check with your provider.
If you are switching providers to get a custom number, it may take days, and the downtime may not be acceptable to some people.
Additionally, there are restrictions on choosing your own number in Australia. In some cases, a number may be quarantined for six to twelve months after a service is disconnected. This allows the previous owner to reconnect to the same number. While quarantined, the number is not available to anyone else. Once the six months is up, the number will be returned to the provider and becomes available again. Numbers that are suspended due to harassment can be held in quarantine for 12 months.
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Frequently asked questions
You can choose your own mobile number in Australia with select providers, including Amaysim, Vodafone, Telstra, and Optus.
The cost of choosing your own mobile number in Australia varies depending on the provider and the type of number you choose. Custom numbers can range from $30 to $400+, while "premium" or "gold" numbers can cost up to $300.
Premium numbers are mobile numbers that include memorable or auspicious combinations of numbers, such as repeated digits, pairs, or triplets. The rarest of these numbers are known as "golden" or "gold," while more commonplace variations are called "silver" or "bronze."
Activating your new mobile number can take up to four hours and is usually done within specific business hours. Contact your provider for more information.
Yes, there are some restrictions. The first four digits of Australian mobile numbers are typically allocated to specific carriers and cannot be customised. Additionally, there may be instances where a number is ""quarantined"" for a period after a service is disconnected, during which it cannot be assigned to a new customer.
