# 1300 & 1800 Numbers

**Category:** Inbound Services
**URL:** https://www.simtex.com.au/products/inbound-numbers

National presence with 1300 and 1800 inbound numbers

## Overview

Establish a national presence with 1300 (local rate) or 1800 (free call) numbers. Intelligent call routing, IVR menus, and detailed analytics. Perfect for sales, support, and customer service teams.

## How 1300 & 1800 Numbers Compares

Simtex Inbound Numbers provides Australian 1300 (local-rate) and 1800 (toll-free) numbers with intelligent call routing built in. Numbers can be activated on the Simtex carrier network and routed to any destination — Simtex Cloud PBX extensions, SIP trunks, Microsoft Teams Direct Route, mobile numbers, or existing PSTN lines. Routing features include time-of-day scheduling with Australian public holiday awareness, geographic routing based on the caller's origin state, percentage-based load distribution across multiple destinations, and IVR menu front-ending for department selection. Routing changes are made through a web portal and take effect without carrier intervention. Compared with 1300 and 1800 numbers sold by Telstra Business and resellers such as Vonex or Maxotel, Simtex provides direct carrier provisioning, geo-redundant delivery from Perth and Sydney points of presence, and inclusion of advanced routing logic without per-feature surcharges. Existing 1300 or 1800 numbers can be ported in from any Australian carrier through Simtex's number porting service.

## Features

Everything you need from your 1300 & 1800 Numbers solution

### Geographic Routing

Route inbound calls based on caller location

- Location-based routing
- Area code detection
- Regional team support
- Local presence

### Time-Based Routing

Different call handling based on time of day or day of week

- Business hours rules
- After-hours handling
- Weekend routing
- Public holiday support

### Call Analytics

Detailed reporting and insights on your call activity

- Comprehensive dashboards
- Real-time monitoring
- Export reports
- Team productivity tracking

## What are 1300 and 1800 numbers?

A **1300 number** and an **1800 number** are national inbound phone numbers that work anywhere in Australia. Instead of being tied to a single landline, they're virtual numbers you point wherever you like — your office, a call centre, a mobile, or a team spread across several cities. To a customer, one easy-to-remember number signals a professional, national business; behind the scenes, Simtex routes every call to the right place.

They're used by sales teams, support desks, franchises, tradespeople and any business that wants a single national contact number that follows them as they grow. The two number types differ mainly in **who pays for the call**: with a 1300 number the caller pays a local-call rate and you cover the rest; with an 1800 number the call is completely free for the caller and the business pays in full.

Simtex is an Australian-based 1300, 1800 and 13 number provider with transparent monthly plans, intelligent call routing, IVR menus, detailed call analytics and local support — plus free porting of your existing inbound numbers.

## 1300 vs 1800 — which number is right for you?

|   | 1300 number | 1800 number |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Who pays for the call** | Caller pays a local-call rate, business pays the rest | Free for the caller — business pays in full |
| **From (Simtex plans)** | $22/month | $39/month |
| **Best for** | National presence at lower cost — general enquiries, bookings | Sales lines, support hotlines, campaigns — remove every barrier to calling |
| **Call routing & IVR** | Included | Included |
| **Number porting** | Keep your existing number | Keep your existing number |
| **Smartnumber option** | Yes (word/pattern numbers via ACMA) | Yes (word/pattern numbers via ACMA) |

Not sure which to choose? Many businesses run a 1300 number for general enquiries and an 1800 number for sales or support. Talk to our team and we'll recommend the right mix.

## Pricing Plans

| Plan | Price | Description |
|------|-------|-------------|
| 1300 Lite | $22.00/mo | Entry-level 1300 number plan for low call volumes |
| 1300 Medium | $40.00/mo | Mid-range 1300 number plan with 500 included minutes |
| 1300 Heavy | $89.00/mo | High-volume 1300 number plan with 2,000 included minutes and the lowest overage rates |

### 1300 Lite — $22.00/mo

Entry-level 1300 number plan for low call volumes

✓ Portable number
✓ Route calls as you choose
— $129 setup / $75 porting

### 1300 Medium — $40.00/mo

Mid-range 1300 number plan with 500 included minutes

✓ Portable number
✓ Route calls as you choose
— $129 setup / $75 porting

### 1300 Heavy — $89.00/mo

High-volume 1300 number plan with 2,000 included minutes and the lowest overage rates

✓ Portable number
✓ Route calls as you choose
— $129 setup / $75 porting

## Pricing Plans

| Plan | Price | Description |
|------|-------|-------------|
| 1800 Lite | $39.00/mo | Entry-level 1800 free-call number plan |
| 1800 Medium | $59.00/mo | Mid-range 1800 free-call number plan with 200 minutes each for landline and mobile |
| 1800 Heavy | $120.00/mo | High-volume 1800 free-call number plan with 500 minutes each for landline and mobile and the lowest overage rates |

### 1800 Lite — $39.00/mo

Entry-level 1800 free-call number plan

✓ Free for callers
✓ Portable number
✓ Route calls as you choose
— $129 setup / $75 porting

### 1800 Medium — $59.00/mo

Mid-range 1800 free-call number plan with 200 minutes each for landline and mobile

✓ Free for callers
✓ Portable number
✓ Route calls as you choose
— $129 setup / $75 porting

### 1800 Heavy — $120.00/mo

High-volume 1800 free-call number plan with 500 minutes each for landline and mobile and the lowest overage rates

✓ Free for callers
✓ Portable number
✓ Route calls as you choose
— $129 setup / $75 porting

## How 1300 and 1800 call routing works

Because your inbound number isn't tied to a physical line, you decide exactly where every call goes — and you can change it any time from your portal:

  - **Geographic routing** — send callers to their nearest branch or state-based team automatically.

  - **Time-based routing** — different destinations for business hours, after hours, weekends and public holidays.

  - **IVR menus** — "press 1 for sales, 2 for support" so callers reach the right team first time.

  - **Hunt groups & overflow** — ring multiple staff in sequence or together, then overflow to mobile or voicemail so no call is missed.

  - **Call analytics** — see call volumes, answer rates, missed calls and busy periods to staff your lines correctly.

It all runs on Simtex's Australian carrier-grade network, so calls are clear, reliable and backed by local support.

> **Info:**
> **Already have a 1300, 1800 or 13 number?** You can port it to Simtex and keep the exact same number — no need to reprint signage, vehicles or marketing. Our Australian-based team manages the transfer with no downtime: calls keep flowing throughout the port. Just send us your latest bill and we'll handle the paperwork.

![](https://www.simtex.com.au/uploads/smartnumber_d8adb8ba34.png)

## Buy a Smart Number

Simtex can provide you with a small selection of random numbers or you can purchase a Smartnumber from ACMA. When purchasing from ACMA you can look for numbers with double and triple digits, or numbers which match specific words – ie 1300 001 BAT (228).

Smartnumbers can be purchased directly from ACMA from around $250 each (Simtex $129 setup fee applies)

- [Apply for a Smartnumber](https://www.thenumberingsystem.com.au/)

## Customer Success Stories

See how businesses are improving customer experience with intelligent inbound routing.

### E-commerce retailer handles holiday rush

> "Our 1300 number used to be overwhelmed during sales events. The queue management and callback features mean we never lose a customer to a busy signal now. Our answer rate went from 70% to 98%."
> — Lisa Thompson

- **98%** call answer rate

### Service company optimises technician dispatch

> "The skills-based routing sends calls to the right department instantly. Emergency calls go to our on-call team, warranty queries to support, and new sales to our sales team. Customers get help faster."
> — Mark Anderson

- **47%** faster resolution time

## 1300 & 1800 Number FAQs

Costs, the 1300-vs-1800 difference, porting and call routing — answered.

**Q: How much does a 1300 number cost in Australia?**

A: Simtex 1300 number plans start at **$22/month** (1300 Lite), with mid-range and high-volume plans at $40 and $89/month that include progressively more call minutes and lower per-minute overage rates. There's no large upfront fee for a standard 1300 number — you pay the monthly plan plus calls beyond your included minutes. Premium "Smartnumbers" (memorable or word-based numbers) can be purchased from ACMA from around $250, with a $129 Simtex setup fee.

**Q: How much does a 1800 number cost?**

A: Simtex 1800 free-call number plans start at **$39/month** (1800 Lite), rising to $59 and $120/month for higher call volumes with more included landline and mobile minutes. 1800 numbers cost a little more than 1300 numbers because the called business pays the full cost of every inbound call — so they're completely free for your customers to dial.

**Q: What is the difference between a 1300 and an 1800 number?**

A: Both are national inbound numbers that route calls to any phone in Australia. The difference is who pays. With a **1300 number**, the caller pays a local-call rate and the business pays the rest — national presence at a lower monthly cost. With an **1800 number**, the call is completely free for the caller and the business pays in full — ideal for sales and support lines where you want to remove every barrier to calling.

**Q: Can I keep my existing 1300 or 1800 number when I switch to Simtex?**

A: Yes. You can port an existing 1300, 1800 or 13 number to Simtex and keep the same number, so you never lose the number on your marketing, website or vehicles. Porting is managed by our Australian-based team with no downtime — calls keep flowing throughout the transfer. Just provide your latest bill and we'll handle the rest.

**Q: Are 1300 numbers free to call?**

A: Not entirely. A **1300 number** charges the caller a local-call rate from a landline (mobile rates vary by carrier), while the business covers the rest. If you want calls to be completely free for your customers, choose an **1800 number** — the business then pays the full cost and the caller pays nothing.

**Q: How does call routing work on a 1300 or 1800 number?**

A: Your number isn't tied to a single line — it's virtual and points wherever you choose. Simtex offers geographic routing (nearest branch), time-based routing (after-hours, weekends, public holidays), IVR menus ("press 1 for sales"), hunt groups and overflow to mobile or voicemail. Update routing any time and view detailed analytics on every call.

**Q: What is a 13 number and how is it different from 1300?**

A: A **13 number** is a six-digit national number (e.g. 13 12 34) — shorter and easier to remember, but a premium ACMA-allocated number that costs significantly more. A **1300 number** (1300 XXX XXX) delivers the same national-presence benefits and call routing at a far lower monthly cost, which is why most businesses choose 1300. Simtex can help with both.

**Q: Can I use a 1800 number for receiving faxes?**

A: Yes. An 1800 number can be pointed at a fax-to-email or virtual fax service so customers can send you faxes free of charge, or you can combine inbound voice and fax on the same number with the right routing. Talk to our team about the best setup for a dedicated 1800 fax line.

## Ready to give your business a national presence?

Get a 1300 or 1800 number with flexible routing, real-time reporting, and transparent per-minute pricing.

- [Get a Quote](/contact)
- [Call 1300 888 519](tel:1300888519)

## Pricing Plans

| Plan | Price | Description |
|------|-------|-------------|
| 1300 Lite | $22.00/mo | Entry-level 1300 number plan for low call volumes |
| 1300 Medium | $40.00/mo | Mid-range 1300 number plan with 500 included minutes |
| 1300 Heavy | $89.00/mo | High-volume 1300 number plan with 2,000 included minutes and the lowest overage rates |

### 1300 Lite — $22.00/mo

Entry-level 1300 number plan for low call volumes

✓ Portable number
✓ Route calls as you choose
— $129 setup / $75 porting

### 1300 Medium — $40.00/mo

Mid-range 1300 number plan with 500 included minutes

✓ Portable number
✓ Route calls as you choose
— $129 setup / $75 porting

### 1300 Heavy — $89.00/mo

High-volume 1300 number plan with 2,000 included minutes and the lowest overage rates

✓ Portable number
✓ Route calls as you choose
— $129 setup / $75 porting

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How much does a 1300 number cost in Australia?**

A: Simtex 1300 number plans start at $22/month (1300 Lite), with mid-range and high-volume plans at $40 and $89/month that include progressively more call minutes and lower per-minute overage rates. There is no large upfront fee for a standard 1300 number — you only pay the monthly plan plus calls beyond your included minutes. Premium "Smartnumbers" (memorable or word-based numbers) can be purchased from ACMA from around $250, with a $129 Simtex setup fee.

**Q: How much does a 1800 number cost?**

A: Simtex 1800 free-call number plans start at $39/month (1800 Lite), rising to $59 and $120/month for higher call volumes with more included landline and mobile minutes. 1800 numbers cost a little more than 1300 numbers because the called business pays the full cost of every inbound call — including the caller's portion — so they are completely free for your customers to dial.

**Q: What is the difference between a 1300 and an 1800 number?**

A: Both are national inbound numbers that route calls to any phone in Australia. The difference is who pays for the call. With a 1300 number, the caller pays the cost of a local call and the business pays the rest — it signals national presence at a lower monthly cost. With an 1800 number, the call is completely free for the caller and the business pays the entire cost, which is ideal for sales lines, support hotlines and campaigns where you want to remove every barrier to calling.

**Q: Can I keep my existing 1300 or 1800 number when I switch to Simtex?**

A: Yes. You can port an existing 1300, 1800 or 13 number to Simtex from your current provider and keep the same number, so you never lose the number on your marketing, website or vehicles. Porting is managed by our Australian-based team and there is no downtime — calls keep flowing throughout the transfer. Just provide your latest bill and we will handle the rest.

**Q: Are 1300 numbers free to call?**

A: Not entirely. A 1300 number charges the caller the cost of a local call from a landline (mobile rates vary by carrier), while the business covers the remaining cost. If you want the call to be completely free for your customers, choose an 1800 number instead — the business then pays the full cost of every call and the caller pays nothing.

**Q: How does call routing work on a 1300 or 1800 number?**

A: Your inbound number isn't tied to a single phone line — it's a virtual number that points wherever you choose. Simtex offers geographic routing (send callers to their nearest branch), time-based routing (after-hours, weekends and public holidays), IVR menus ("press 1 for sales"), hunt groups and overflow to mobile or voicemail. You can update routing rules at any time and view detailed call analytics on every call.

**Q: What is a 13 number and how is it different from 1300?**

A: A 13 number is a six-digit national number (for example 13 12 34) that is shorter and easier to remember than a ten-digit 1300 number, but it is a premium ACMA-allocated number and costs significantly more. A 1300 number (1300 XXX XXX) delivers the same national-presence benefits and call routing at a far lower monthly cost, which is why most businesses choose 1300. Simtex can help you with both.

**Q: Can I use a 1800 number for receiving faxes?**

A: Yes. An 1800 number can be pointed at a fax-to-email or virtual fax service so customers can send you faxes free of charge, or you can combine inbound voice and fax on the same number with the right routing. Talk to our team about the best setup for a dedicated 1800 fax line.

## Learn More

- Product page: https://www.simtex.com.au/products/inbound-numbers
- All products: https://www.simtex.com.au/products
- Contact us: https://www.simtex.com.au/contact
- Full AI reference: https://www.simtex.com.au/llms-full.txt
- Site AI summary: https://www.simtex.com.au/llms.txt