Choosing a 1300 Number Provider in Australia

A 1300 number gives your business a professional, national presence and makes it easier for customers to contact you. But with so many providers in Australia, how do you choose the right one? This guide breaks down the key factors to consider.

1. Understand the Costs

Pricing for 1300 numbers typically has a few components:

• Monthly Rental Fee: A fixed charge to keep the number active. This can range from $10 to $30 per month.
• Inbound Call Rates: What you pay to receive calls. With Click2Call, inbound calls to your local numbers are unlimited and included in your flat-rate user fee.
• Setup Fee: A one-time charge to activate the number.

Look for providers with transparent, competitive pricing. Some providers, like Click2Call, bundle a 1300 number and include a generous number of inbound minutes with their Cloud PBX plans, which can be much more cost-effective than paying for them separately.

2. Check the Included Features

A 1300 number is more than just a number; it's the front door to your business phone system. Your provider should offer a robust set of features to manage your calls effectively:

• Call Routing: The ability to direct calls based on time of day, caller location (geo-routing), or menu selections (IVR).
• Voicemail to Email: Receive voicemail messages as audio files directly in your email inbox.
• Reporting and Analytics: Access to data on call volumes, peak times, and missed calls to help you manage staffing and performance.
• Integration with a Phone System: The best value comes from a provider that bundles your 1300 number with a Cloud PBX system. This gives you a complete, unified solution with features like call transfer, conferencing, and softphone apps.

3. Evaluate the Provider's Network and Support

Call quality and reliability are paramount. Choose a provider that operates a high-quality, carrier-grade network within Australia. Equally important is the level of customer support they offer.

• Australian-Based Support: When you need help, you want to speak to someone who understands the local context and can resolve your issue quickly.
• Support Channels: Do they offer phone, email, and ticket-based support? What are their standard support hours?
• Self-Service Portal: A good provider will give you an online portal to manage your number, change routing settings, and view call reports yourself.

4. Can You Port Your Existing Number?

If you already have a 1300 number, you'll want to bring it with you. Ensure the provider offers number porting and has a clear, managed process for transferring your number without downtime. The provider should handle the entire process on your behalf.

Conclusion: Look for Value, Not Just Price

While cost is an important factor, the cheapest provider isn't always the best. Look for a provider that offers a combination of competitive pricing, a strong feature set, and excellent local support. Bundling your 1300 number with a Cloud PBX system from a single provider like Click2Call often provides the best value, simplifying your billing and giving you a seamless, powerful communication platform for your entire business.