Do different telephone numbers mean different things?
Yes. The numbers used for many of the telephone services available can give you information about certain aspects of the service you are calling. For example, an area code - (02), (03), (07), or (08) - at the beginning of a number indicates it is a regular geographic telephone number, whereas an '04' prefix indicates that the called service is a mobile phone.
Australia's Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 ensures that telephone companies use the same approach to the use of telephone numbers. This means that you can recognise that a certain telephone number is associated with a specific type of service and call cost.
Who manages the Telecommunications Numbering Plan?
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) manages the Telecommunications Numbering Plan and provides the framework and policies for telephone number allocation and use. The ACMA is a government body and is independent of the telephone companies.
Who sets the charges for telephone calls?
Call charges are set by the phone companies. In some instances a 'price cap' limits the maximum applicable charge, set by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (telephone 1300 302 502).
What factors affect telephone call charges?
Charges to callers are affected by such factors as:
- the type of service used-whether a call is made from a regular telephone, mobile phone or payphone;
- distance - whether a call is local or long distance (note that call charges are not determined by the dialled area code); and
- timing - duration of the call and the time of day the call was made.
The telecommunications service that you call is identified by the specific prefix to the number. The prefix of the number gives you information about the type of service and the type of charge you can expect. For example, calls to '1800' numbers are not charged to the caller (except from mobile phones), whereas calls to '190' numbers are charged at a 'premium' rate and a caller is advised of the expected charge upon connection.
The following table provides information about special services (using numbers other than regular telephone numbers) provided by telephone companies.
| Number prefix | Description of service | Type of charge to caller |
|---|---|---|
|
000 |
Emergency call service-an operator connects the caller to an ambulance, fire or police service in life threatening or time critical situations. Can be dialled from any fixed or mobile phone. |
Free call |
|
106 |
Text based emergency call service-enables people with a hearing or speech impairment to call the National Relay Emergency Call Service, which relays the call to a police, fire or ambulance service. |
Free call |
|
112 |
International GSM emergency call number-can be dialled in any area covered by GSM using any GSM mobile phone to connect the caller to the 000 emergency call service. It can only be dialled from GSM mobile phones. |
Free call |
|
1221 |
International faults and difficulties |
Usually free but may go up to twice local call charge from a standard telephone. Other charges may apply from mobile phones. |
|
1222 |
Call costs and enquiries |
Usually free but may go up to twice local call charge from a standard telephone. Other changes may apply from mobile phones. |
|
1223 |
Local national directory assistance |
Usually free but may go up to twice local call charge from a standard telephone. Other changes may apply from mobile phones. |
|
1225 |
International directory assistance |
Usually free but may go up to twice local call charge from a standard telephone. Other changes may apply from mobile phones. |
|
1234 |
Operator connect |
Charges for calls may vary, but are usually charged at a timed call rate which may vary according to the call distance and the time of day, often with a surcharge for the assistance of the operator. |
|
124 |
Prefixes of certain operator assisted services (eg call connect) |
Charges for calls may vary, but are usually higher than a local call fee. |
|
125 |
Prefixes of certain operator assisted services (eg fault reporting) |
Usually free but may go up to twice local call charge from a standard telephone. Other changes may apply from mobile phones. |
|
0011, 0012 (plus various 001x) |
Code used in direct dialling of international calls (including facsimile services) |
Calls are charged at a timed call rate which may vary according to the call distance and the time of day, except for calls to numbers with country code '800', which are free from regular phones. |
|
015, 018 (plus various 014 and 017 numbers) |
Prefixes which were used for numbering of analog mobile phone services. Analog services have now ceased operation. |
|
|
04 |
Prefix of digital mobile phone service |
Calls are charged at a timed call rate which may vary according to the call distance and the time of day. |
|
0500 |
Prefix used by a service which provides the customer with a single number to link all of that customer's other telephone services (such as mobile, office, home, etc) |
Calls are charged at a timed call rate which may vary according to the time of day. |
|
13 and 1300 |
Prefixes used by a service that allows calls to be made at a low charge to the caller |
Calls do not have to be the same charges for making local calls, but are charged at an untimed rate. Calls made from a mobile phone may be charged at a higher, timed rate. |
|
180x |
Prefix used by a service which allows calls to be at no charge to the caller |
Calls made from a standard telephone are free to the caller. Calls made from a mobile telephone may be charged at a timed rate. |
|
190x |
Prefixes used by services that provide information or other 'premium' rate services via recorded message, facsimile, or directly with the provider of the service |
Charges are set by the information provider. Calls are charged at a timed rate. Premium rates apply. Charges may vary from 35 cents to $5 or more per minute. Other charges may apply from mobile phones. |
More information
For more information about numbering, contact the ACMA's Telecommunications Licensing, Numbering & Submarine Cables Section.
The ACMA has fact sheets on a range of topics.
Please note: this document is intended as a guide only and should not be relied on as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.
