1800 Toll-Free Numbers for Australian Businesses

Both 1800 and 1300 numbers are ‘inbound’ numbers allowing a business to receive incoming calls. Call handling is the same for both types of numbers. However, the costs of calls are divided differently between the number owner and the caller.

1800 numbers, also known as toll free numbers, are completely free to the caller, although some mobile phone plans may still charge a fee depending on the caller’s provider and plan. Generally, postpaid plans (billed monthly) don’t charge for 1800 numbers although they may be included in monthly usage limits. Some prepaid plans may charge for calls to 1800 numbers.

1300 number call costs are shared. The caller pays a local rate for any call to the 1300 number, and the owner pays a cost based on a per minute rate.

To choose the type of number that’s right for you, think about how you want to present to your market.

Calls to a 1800 Number are defined as toll free calls – the caller pays nothing to call you. In some cases, mobile carriers can charge a per minute rate.

There are many call handling (routing) options available on a 1800 number – all of which are designed to deliver calls efficiently and to the correct member of your team. Some options include:

• single phone number destination
• state, regional, mobile tower (MOLI) and postcode routing delivery
• Time Switching, allowing business hours and after hours time rules
• IVR Menu to guide callers via keypress to the correct destinations
• Hosted PBX features like Ring Groups for simultaneous calling or Circular Hunt Groups.

Yes – the accounts with Ozetel are prepaid (unless certain conditions have been met for a postpaid account) meaning the monthly charge for your 1800 number continues until the service is officially cancelled. This fee is required because we are charged by our wholesale supplier even if no calls are received through the 1800 number.

To stop your monthly fee, please cancel your 1800 number service.

Yes – 1800 numbers are portable and can be moved between carriers in Australia – without cost in most cases. You simply require your existing carrier name and account number given to you by that carrier (usually included on a monthly invoice).