For many Australian businesses, a 1300 number is one of the easiest ways to create a more professional national presence while managing incoming calls more effectively.
Unlike a standard local landline or mobile number, a 1300 number gives your business one consistent contact number that can route calls to mobiles, landlines, PBX systems or multiple locations.
In this guide, we explain what 1300 numbers are, how they work, what they cost, and why they remain a strong option for small businesses in Australia.
Chapter 1: 1300 Number Fundamentals
In this chapter, we explain what 1300 numbers are, how they work, and why businesses across Australia use them to manage customer enquiries and sales calls.
1300 numbers remain one of the most popular inbound phone number types for Australian businesses because they provide a single national contact number while allowing flexible call routing to teams, offices or mobiles.
What Is a 1300 Number?
A 1300 number is a ten-digit virtual phone number used by businesses in Australia to receive incoming calls from customers.
Unlike a traditional landline, a 1300 number is not tied to a specific physical phone line. Instead, calls are routed to another phone number or answering point, such as:
- a mobile phone
- a landline
- a VoIP phone system
- a call centre
- multiple destinations at once
Because 1300 numbers are virtual numbers, businesses can easily change where calls are routed without changing the number customers dial.
For example, a business might route calls:
- to the office during business hours
- to a mobile phone after hours
- to different teams depending on location
This flexibility makes 1300 numbers ideal for businesses that are growing or operating across multiple locations.
Learn more about available services here:
Explore 1300 numbers
National Contact Number
Many businesses use a 1300 number to create one consistent contact number across Australia rather than advertising different local phone numbers.
This simplifies marketing and helps customers remember how to contact the business.
Why 1300 Numbers Are Called “Local Rate Numbers”
1300 numbers are sometimes referred to as local rate numbers because callers typically pay the cost of a local call when calling from a landline.
Mobile call charges may vary depending on the caller’s mobile plan and provider.
Do Businesses Own Their 1300 Number?
In Australia, 1300 numbers are regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Businesses do not technically own the number itself. Instead, they receive what is known as a Right of Use (ROU) for the number.
This means:
- the business controls the number
- the number can usually be transferred between providers
- the number remains associated with the business
This portability makes 1300 numbers a long-term business asset.
If you are comparing number types, read:
1300 vs 1800 Numbers: What’s the Difference and Which Should Your Business Choose?
Structure of a 1300 Number
Most 1300 numbers follow this format:
1300 XXX XXX
The six digits following the 1300 prefix identify the specific number being called.
Some businesses choose numbers that are easier to remember or form appealing patterns to improve recall in advertising and marketing.
Types of 1300 Numbers
There are generally two main types of 1300 numbers available.
Standard 1300 Numbers
Standard numbers contain a random six-digit sequence after the 1300 prefix.
Example:
1300 482 691
These numbers are usually:
- low cost or free to obtain
- widely available
- suitable for most businesses
Smart Numbers
SmartNumbers are memorable number combinations or phonewords.
Examples include:
1300 555 5551300 CLEANER1300 LAWYERS
Because these numbers are easier to remember, they often carry a premium purchase price.
Memorable numbers are commonly used in radio, print, digital and outdoor advertising where recall is important.
If you want a more memorable branded number, see:
Phone Words
1300 Network Types
1300 services in Australia typically operate on one of two network types.
Understanding the difference can help businesses choose the right provider.
Tier 1 Carrier Networks
Tier 1 providers are major telecommunications carriers that own and operate large national networks.
Examples include:
- Telstra
- Optus
- AAPT / TPG Telecom
Advantages
Tier 1 networks are designed for high reliability and large call volumes.
They typically offer:
- enterprise-grade infrastructure
- very high network availability
- robust call routing capabilities
Limitations
Traditional carrier networks can sometimes offer fewer modern features and may require provider assistance to change routing configurations.
Tier 2 Cloud Voice Networks
Tier 2 providers operate cloud-based voice platforms that integrate with carrier networks.
These platforms may provide additional features such as:
- call tracking
- call recording
- IVR menus
- simultaneous ring
- voicemail to email
- analytics and reporting
- CRM integrations
Examples of wholesale voice platforms include:
- Symbio
- iPrimus
- other SIP and cloud voice platforms
Advantages
These services typically provide:
- more advanced call management features
- real-time configuration changes
- integrations with business software
Considerations
As with any telecommunications service, reliability can vary depending on the provider’s infrastructure and network design.
For a broader overview of routing and call handling, see:
How inbound call routing works
Chapter 2: 1300 Number Costs
When considering a 1300 number, there are three main cost components to understand.
1. Purchasing the Number
The cost of acquiring a 1300 number depends on how memorable the number is.
Random number combinations are often available at little or no cost.
Memorable numbers known as SmartNumbers or PhoneWords can range from approximately:
- $250
- to several thousand dollars
depending on their desirability.
2. Monthly Access Charges
Most providers charge a monthly access fee for the service.
This fee typically covers:
- number hosting
- call routing platform
- reporting and account management
Monthly access charges can range from around $10 per month to higher enterprise plans depending on included features.
3. Call Charges
Inbound call costs depend on two factors:
- where the call originates from
- where the call is forwarded to
Generally:
- landline-originated calls are lower cost
- mobile-originated calls may be higher cost
- forwarding to mobiles may cost more than forwarding to landlines or PBX systems
Businesses typically choose a plan that balances monthly fees and per-minute call rates based on expected call volumes.
For a more detailed billing explanation, see:
How inbound calls are charged
Cost for Customers Calling a 1300 Number
For callers:
- landline calls are usually charged at standard local call rates
- mobile calls depend on the caller’s mobile plan and provider
Many mobile plans include calls to 1300 numbers as part of their call allowances, but this depends on the carrier.
Are Contracts Required?
Reputable providers often offer month-to-month services without long-term contracts.
However, some providers may require contracts for specific plans or bundled services.
Before choosing a provider, businesses should review the Critical Information Summary (CIS) which outlines pricing, terms, and service details.
Chapter 3: Why Small Businesses Use 1300 Numbers
For small businesses, a 1300 number can provide a number of practical benefits beyond just looking professional.
Professional national presence
A 1300 number helps a small business appear more established by giving customers a single national contact number rather than relying on a personal mobile or local office number.
Better call management
Because 1300 numbers are virtual, calls can be routed to the right person or team based on:
- time of day
- location
- department
- overflow rules
More flexibility as your business grows
You can keep the same public number while changing:
- staff
- offices
- phone systems
- service providers
Easier marketing
Using one memorable number across your website, signage and advertising makes it easier for customers to remember how to contact you.
Chapter 4: 1300 Numbers vs Other Business Number Types
Small businesses often compare 1300 numbers with local numbers, mobile numbers and 1800 numbers.
| Number Type | Best For | Caller Cost | Business Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local number | Local businesses | Standard local call rate | Strong local identity |
| Mobile number | Sole traders and field staff | Standard mobile rate | Direct contact and mobility |
| 1300 number | National enquiries and sales | Usually local call rate from landlines | Professional national presence |
| 1800 number | Support lines and service enquiries | Free for most landline callers | Removes cost barrier for callers |
If you're deciding between number types, also read:
What Is a Toll-Free Number in Australia? (1800 Numbers Explained)
Chapter 5: How to Choose the Right 1300 Number for Your Business
When choosing a 1300 number, consider:
1. Your budget
A random number may be suitable if cost is your priority. A SmartNumber or PhoneWord may be worth it if branding matters.
2. How memorable the number is
If the number will appear in advertising, a memorable sequence can improve response rates.
3. Where calls need to go
Think about whether calls should route to:
- one person
- multiple staff
- different locations
- a phone system or IVR
4. Your expected call volume
A higher call volume may make a plan with a higher monthly fee but lower per-minute charges more cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1300 Numbers
Are 1300 numbers free to call?
No. Calls to 1300 numbers are not free. Landline callers usually pay the cost of a local call, while mobile callers may be charged according to their provider and plan.
Can I route a 1300 number to a mobile?
Yes. 1300 numbers can be routed to mobile phones, landlines, PBX systems, call centres and cloud phone systems.
Can I keep my 1300 number if I change providers?
In most cases, yes. Because 1300 numbers are portable, businesses can usually transfer the service between providers.
Are 1300 numbers good for small businesses?
Yes. They are commonly used by small businesses that want a more professional and flexible way to manage incoming calls.
Summary
1300 numbers provide businesses with a flexible and professional national contact number.
They allow calls to be routed intelligently across teams, offices and mobile devices while maintaining a single public phone number for customers.
For many Australian small businesses, a 1300 number remains one of the most effective ways to manage incoming enquiries, improve branding and build a professional national presence.
Get a 1300 Number for Your Business
Pickle helps Australian businesses choose and activate professional 1300 numbers with flexible call routing and support.
You can:
- choose a new 1300 number
- compare standard and smart numbers
- route calls to mobiles, offices or phone systems
- keep one national number as your business grows
Explore available options here: