1300 numbers vs 1800 numbers - the tale of the tape

Are 1300 numbers significantly different from 1800 numbers? Are they both toll free? These are good questions; common ones, too. After all, both 1300 numbers and 1800 numbers are considered business numbers. Both are inbound numbers, meaning they can only be used to answer incoming calls. Both contain the same number of digits. So, what’s the difference?

Are 1300 numbers significantly different from 1800 numbers? Are they both toll free? These are good questions; common ones, too. After all, both 1300 numbers and 1800 numbers are considered business numbers. Both are inbound numbers, meaning they can only be used to answer incoming calls. Both contain the same number of digits. So, what’s the difference?

First, let us confirm that, yes, 1300 numbers and 1800 numbers function the same way. They are both designed to be a cost-effective way for businesses to simplify and optimise their contact with customers. With either type of number, you have the ability to formulate a customised routing strategy, making use of multiple lines and devices.

How to get a business 1300 number

Telecommunications service providers that offer 1300 numbers also sell 1800 numbers. Many of them will let you choose a random business 1300 number at no additional cost. But if you want a personalised number or one with an especially memorable pattern, you will have to pay for it. Highly memorable numbers are known as smartnumbers, and they are administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Smartnumbers might come in the form of phone words (e.g. 1300 TREATS) or easy-to-remember patterns (e.g. 1300 789789). Either way, your company will have a higher profile.

Smartnumbers can be expensive, beginning at $250 and going up from there. They can be purchased directly from the 1300 number provider of your choice, from the ACMA, or even from a third party that has already bought the rights to the number from the ACMA. Dealing with a third party is the priciest option, but it also may be the only way to get your hands on the number you want.

What’s the difference between 1300 and 1800 numbers?

Okay, so what distinguishes 1300 numbers from 1800 numbers? There is really only one difference between them, and that’s the way in which calls are billed (unless, of course, you’re on our Starter Plans where all calls are included free of charge). In the case of 1300 numbers, the costs of a call are shared between your business and the person calling. With 1800 numbers, the call is billed only to the business — hence the term “toll free.”

In other words, a person can call an 1800 number from anywhere in Australia for free. On the other hand, by calling a 1300 number you incur a small charge—typically the cost of a local call. Dialling from a mobile phone could increase the rate slightly, depending on your telco provider.

1300 numbers and 1800 numbers are more alike than they are different. For companies operating on tight budgets, a 1300 number is the superior option, as it provides all the advantages of an 1800 number at a lower cost. Take another step toward maximising your business’ potential by getting yourself a business 1300 number today.