In Australia you can quite easily purchase a number from a telco provider, through your company’s IT department if you have internal management or even an outsourced IT company.
Nowadays many people tend to work in remote locations or are on the go daily. You might be looking for a non-traditional option for a number, such as a virtual phone number or with features of a traditional number.
Knowing just the right option for you and obtaining the right type of phone number is necessary for most companies.
Whether you plan to stay local as a business or you’re planning to expand to multiple regions, there are several great options available in terms of obtaining a number.
The question is what type of number is best for you? And what are the options available in the current market.
We’ll unpack;
- How to obtain a number
- The different types of numbers and what they are used for
- Factors to consider when getting a number
- Tips for choosing a number
At Soi Virtual Receptionists who work across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, we understand how important it is to select the right number for your personal or work needs, especially for consistent communication and reliability.
With 24 years of experience in the industry, we work with businesses of all sizes to ensure a seamless and professional premium answering service, as well as register your number with us.
What Are the Different Types of Phone Numbers?
There are typically six well known numbering systems for phone numbers in Australia, that are arranged and planned according to your area code (your local suburb or area) and the areas you choose to connect with, whether it be international, national, local or a combination.
The following categories apply to this :
1. Mobile Numbers :
This type of number is pretty common in Australia, and allows you to make calls easily, without tying you down to being at home or the office. Firstly a mobile number will consist of 10 digits, and starts with 04 or 05.
2. Landline Numbers :
This is great for a local business or for anyone who wants to create a local presence can make sure they can be reached easily within the area. Overall a landline number is geographical and based on 10 digits.
3. Toll Free Numbers :
A toll free number is a great choice to draw in customers without the cost incurred. This type of number starts with a 1800 and is free for callers from landlines.
4. Short Numbers :
Are designed to be recalled easily, so you can have access to emergency assistance if you need it quickly. These are for emergency services only and are 3-4 digits or for other special services.
5. Local Rate Numbers :
Are a type of number that starts with a 1300, these types of numbers cost the same as a local call and are good for companies who don’t want to be tied down to only local services, they also apply to nationwide calls.
6. Premium Numbers :
This is often utilised by businesses who wish to monetise their services while providing transparency to the caller about the costs. Start with a 190 and are used for paid types of services like competitions or professional advice lines
Business vs Personal Use
Firstly, when it comes to number types for personal use the more portable and convenient option is a mobile number, which is most popular currently.
However, landlines are still quite common in many houses for some personal use but are far less common for direct personal usage.
For businesses, the choice can be more varied depending on the type of company, such as if you were a sole trader or a larger corporate company.
- Local Numbers : Are an excellent option that cater to a particular region or specific geographic location.
- Toll Free Numbers : Are best for national companies wishing to give their clients free access.
- Virtual Phone Numbers : This type of number can be routed to any device and flexibility for any organisation.
How to Obtain a Phone Number?
There are a few different ways to obtain a phone number in Australia, and each type comes with distinctive features and uses.
1. Directly from a Telecommunication company :
Common telco companies like Optus, Telstra or Vodafone offer both mobile and landline numbers.
2. Government Allocations :
For specific number types like a 1300 or an 1800 you may need to set up this number type through the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) where you can buy a custom number, additionally you can have your service provider set this up on your behalf.
3. Mobile Virtual Network Operations (MVNO’s) :
This type of company can supply mobile numbers and resell mobile services at a competitive rate.
Insights on Phone Numbers, Past and Present
Back in the day :
If you moved houses in the past and changed your residential address to just a new suburb, or even moving a few streets away, some telcos such as Telstra wouldn’t allow you to use the same number, and as a result losing your old number and needing to obtain a whole new number! Nowadays this difficulty has been resolved.
And now :
Numbers are super convenient and portable thanks to technological improvements. For example, you can now keep your allocated number through a service like Zoom and retain the number if you change providers.
For companies, maintaining a steady number throughout your business journey is important for consistency.
Additionally, you can always adjust your number as well, by either taking calls directly or transferring them to other numbers. The portable nature of your number ensures that you’ll always be in control of it at any stage.
If you need support with phone answering services, Soi can help support you, you can easily register a number with us; so your calls are always handled professionally, with care, and add value to your business.
How Can I Get a Phone Number with a Certain Type of Area Code?
To purchase a number with a specific area code, you will need to select a service provider that operates in the area, for example Queensland (QLD) will require an area code of 07.
When you decide to get a number in a certain area of Australia, the type you will be allocated is typically based on geographical regions and will result in a specific area code type, based on which state you may be located within as well.
The locations and associated number codes :
Located | Area code: |
---|---|
New South Wales (NSW) & Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | 02 |
Victoria & Tasmania | 03 |
Queensland | 07 |
Western Australia, South Australia & Northern Territory | 08 |
Our virtual assistants at Soi Virtual Receptionist will work with your specific area code number and integrate this within our virtual receptionist service regardless of your location.
Case study example :
At Soi we can now distribute local numbers throughout Australia. For instance, a new client we added who lives in Hervey Bay requested a local number.
We were able to supply them with a local phone number for their business because of the services they provide in their geographical area.
If you are considering opening a business in a specific local area, ensuring your number is local is something you should consider, especially if your clients rely on your service within the area means they can easily contact you directly.
What You Should Consider When Getting a Phone Number
Selecting your first number is a decision that should consider whether you need it for personal or business use.
Here are some key elements that can help determine your choice :
- Your Privacy :
The first thing to think about is how much personal information you feel comfortable giving depending on if you want to have both personal & professional. - Security :
To guard you against fraud and misuse, you can talk to your provider about security measures you can put in place to safeguard your number. - Cost :
Evaluate providers and plans. Think about recurring fees you may incur over time and any possible hidden costs in addition to the initial costs.
3 Great Tips for Getting a Number
Tip 1 : Keep your business and personal numbers separate
Don’t use your personal mobile number for work when you first establish your business. When you answer a business call for your clients. At Soi over many years of working with different businesses, we’ve noticed that a lot of our clients tend to use the same number for both personal and professional calls.
Problems may arise over time, due to personal calls mixed with work calls, resulting in disrupted work and tasks. It’s preferable to have a distinct number that is only used for your work in order to preserve privacy and your professionalism.
Tip 2 : Prepare for company growth ahead of time
Consider setting up a 1300 number if you intend to grow your company, especially across several locations.
In addition to giving your company a more professional look, these types of numbers make it simpler for clients from other areas to get in touch with you, without being confused or paying excessive call fees
Tip 3 : Pick a number that’s easy to remember
Most people rely on their smartphones to save a number, however having an easy to remember phone number is still beneficial particularly for company branding.
Numbers that have a pattern or familiar sequence with repeating digits like (1122), can be a lot easier to recall. This also helps boost your marketing materials, like your website, ads, where your clients can easily recall it later.
Virtual Receptionists with Soi
We understand just how important it is to have just the right number for your specific requirements.
Whether you are a small business or large company our virtual receptionist services can provide you with:
- Adaptable virtual phone numbers
- Professional phone answering services
- Connectivity to your existing systems
- Solutions that will grow with your business
With Soi you can focus on your company, while we handle all your calls with professionalism, and with care. Partner with us today and get in touch with our team today.