Ruqayyah Snyder
In Australia, you can choose your own mobile number with some providers, including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. These providers allow customers to request and buy premium numbers, which are easy to remember and include memorable or auspicious combinations of numbers. You can also make your phone number more private if you don't want it to be displayed when making calls. This can be done by dialing #31# before the number, or by changing your privacy settings in your iPhone's settings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Customising your phone number in Australia | Possible with some providers |
| Types of custom phone numbers | Premium, golden, silver, bronze |
| Custom phone number providers | Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, amaysim, ACMA, eBay sellers |
| Custom phone number cost | Extra fee |
| Custom phone number digits | First four digits allocated to carriers, remaining six digits customisable |
| Carriers and their digit codes | Telstra: 0400, 0499; Optus: 0401, 0411; Vodafone: 0404, 0424 |
| Hiding your phone number when calling | Dial #31# before the number |
| Making your phone number private | Contact your provider or use their unlisted service option |
| Displaying your phone number when calling | Check 'Show My Caller ID' setting |
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What You'll Learn
Dial #31# before the number to appear as 'Private'
If you want to make a call from your mobile phone while keeping your phone number private, you can dial #31# before the number you wish to call. This blocking code will hide your caller ID from the person receiving the call, who will instead see "Private" or "Private Caller" on their phone. This method works for both mobile and landline numbers, and it can be useful when calling customers from your private mobile phone or when returning a call to an unknown number.
To use this method, simply open your phone app and punch in #31# before dialling the number you want to call. This code works for several countries besides Australia, including Canada, India, Israel, and South Africa, as well as some European countries.
It's worth noting that while this method will keep your number private, some people may be hesitant to answer private numbers due to spam or scam concerns. Additionally, some phones have a "Block Hidden Numbers" feature, which may prevent your call from going through.
Another option to make your number private is to set your phone to hide your number in the settings, and then add *31# before the number in your contacts. This way, your number will not appear as a private number when calling people who have saved your contact.
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Use CLI overstamping to display a chosen number
CLI overstamping allows the caller to display a different number from the one they are calling from. This is a useful tactic for businesses to increase contact rates, as it prevents customers from recognising that the same person or company is calling them repeatedly.
In Australia, CLI overstamping is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). ACMA has implemented guidelines that organisations must follow to prevent their phone numbers from being blocked by carriers. For example, a Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) organisation may use several phone numbers to make outbound calls or send texts on behalf of their clients.
To comply with ACMA's Industry Code C661:2022, organisations that use CLI overstamping must register all phone numbers. This enables the phone number displayed on a call or SMS to be identified as a registered number by the carrier. This prevents calls from failing to connect, which would impact productivity and contact rates.
One example of a CLI overstamping service is MyNetFone (MNF). To confirm your caller ID number for CLI overstamping with MNF, you must call a 1300 number with that phone number every six months. This requirement has been criticised by some users as cumbersome and unnecessary, with other VoIP providers offering simpler procedures.
It is important to note that while CLI overstamping is legal in Australia, it can be exploited for malicious activity, such as scamming, which is known as Caller ID spoofing. Telecommunication carriers can face penalties of up to $250,000 for breaching any requirements under ACMA's Industry Code. If you believe your number has been spoofed, you should not answer calls from unknown numbers and report it to your telecommunications provider immediately.
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Choose a memorable number with a custom sequence
In Australia, you can choose your own mobile number, with some providers allowing you to select a premium number. A premium number is a mobile number that includes memorable or auspicious combinations of numbers. These premium numbers are often referred to as ""golden" or "gold" numbers, with more common variations called "silver" or "bronze". The first four digits of Australian numbers are typically allocated to specific carriers, such as 0400 and 0499 for Telstra, 0401 and 0411 for Optus, and 0404 and 0424 for Vodafone. These initial four digits usually cannot be customised.
However, if you're willing to pay an additional fee, you can select premium, easy-to-remember number sequences for the remaining six digits. Optus, for instance, allows customers to request and purchase premium numbers, previously known as "Optus gold numbers". You can choose a specific pattern or a sequence that is simple to recall. The exact charges will depend on the type of change you're requesting. Optus charges a flat administration fee of $132 for any golden number change.
Vodafone also provides its customers with the option to upgrade to a unique yet memorable number. They categorise their premium numbers into silver and gold options: gold numbers are priced at $275, while silver numbers cost $55 upfront. Additionally, Vodafone charges a one-off fee of $19.95 to change your mobile number. To request a gold or silver number from Vodafone, you can dial 1555 from your Vodafone device or 1300 650 410 from any phone.
If you're seeking a more affordable option, amaysim, which operates on the Optus network, offers customers the opportunity to switch to premium phone numbers at a competitive price. Changing to a premium number on an amaysim plan incurs a one-off charge of $30, plus a "change of number" fee of $20. To request a premium number with amaysim, you can reach out to their customer service team via live chat or email.
For business purposes, you can also purchase custom phone numbers from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). These "smart numbers" are catchy 13, 1300, and 1800 numbers. The pricing for these custom numbers varies, with a one-time registration fee plus the cost of the number, which can range from $250 to $20,000, depending on how memorable the sequence is.
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Change your number entirely
If you want to change your phone number entirely, there are a few options available to you. Most major providers in Australia allow you to change your number, usually for a fee.
Vodafone
Vodafone Australia allows you to change your mobile number. You can do this by using the Live Chat 24/7 in the My Vodafone app or on their website. You can also call 1555 from your Vodafone phone or 1300 650 410 from any phone. There is a one-off charge of $19.95 to change to a new number.
Telstra
Telstra also offers the ability to change your phone number. They also offer premium numbers with repeated digits, pairs, and triplets at an extra cost.
Optus
Optus allows customers to request and buy premium numbers, previously known as ''Optus gold numbers'. You can choose the next available number, a specific pattern, or a memorable sequence.
Amaysim
Amaysim, which offers coverage on the Optus network, allows customers to change to premium numbers where available. Changing to a premium number on an amaysim plan will incur a $30 one-off charge, plus a 'change of number' fee of $20. You can request a premium number by contacting their customer service team via Live Chat or email.
It is worth noting that there are some restrictions on choosing your own number in Australia. The first four digits of Australian numbers are allocated to specific carriers and usually cannot be customised. However, you can pay extra to secure premium, easy-to-remember number sequences for the remaining six digits.
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Format your number to match the localised style or fix formatting issues
Formatting your phone number to match the local style in Australia depends on whether you are using a landline or a mobile phone.
Formatting a landline number
Landline numbers in Australia have 10 digits, comprising a 2-digit area code and an 8-digit telephone number. When calling within your state, you can drop the area code. However, when calling interstate, you must include the area code. For example, a number in NSW or the ACT would be written as 02 5550 4321.
Formatting a mobile number
Mobile numbers in Australia also have 10 digits, but there is no area code. Mobile numbers are generally written as 04 aaaa bbbb or 04aa bbb ccc, where a, b, and c represent unique digits. For example, a mobile number could be written as 04 1234 5678 or 0412 345 678.
Formatting for international calls
When formatting an Australian phone number for international calls, it is essential to use the international format. This involves using a plus symbol '+' followed by the country code for Australia, which is '61'. For example, to call the NSW number (02) 7010 1234 from outside Australia, you would dial +61 2 7010 1234.
Additional formatting tips
- Use a non-breaking space between groups of digits in a telephone number to ensure that the number stays together on one line.
- When calling within Australia, it is not necessary to include the international prefix or country code.
- Brackets are sometimes used around the area code when writing a phone number, especially when advertising an 'overseas-friendly' number. However, this practice is not recommended in the Australian Government's Style Manual.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your phone number appear as private, you can dial #31# before the number you are calling. This works for both mobile and landline numbers.
Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID.
You can request a customised phone number from your provider. Some providers will allow you to choose a specific pattern or an easy-to-remember number sequence for a fee.
Contact your provider and request a new number. They may charge a fee for this service.
Talk to your telco about using your particular number when making outgoing calls.
