Key Takeaways

• A 1300 number is a virtual inbound phone number used by businesses to reach their customer base. The cost of a call to a 1300 number is split between the caller and the holder.
• Pricing for a 1300 number at Teleca ranges from our $20/month Unlimited promotion for small businesses to our enterprise plans for $100/month and 12c/min.
• Teleca offers plans that have no lock-in contracts, meaning you can be flexible as your business grows.
• Teleca’s plans come with must-have features, including IVR, call routing, voice-to-email, and simultaneous ring.
• You can choose the best pricing model based on your business call volume, meaning you pay for what you use and not more.

What Is a 1300 Number?

A 1300 number is a nationally recognised business number built on a shared-cost model, where the call cost is split between the caller and your business. It’s primarily designed to receive incoming calls, helping businesses manage customer engagement at scale while presenting a professional presence across Australia. In practice, each inbound call can be answered from almost anywhere, without tying your business to a single landline or location.

Because it works through the cloud, a 1300 service can use call routing to send incoming calls to mobiles, landlines, teams, or locations, with automatic redirection based on time or availability. Many providers also include an IVR (interactive voice response) system that directs callers to the appropriate department before the call is answered. That flexibility is a big reason these numbers suit growing teams, multi-site operations, and businesses that need coverage beyond standard office hours.

1300 numbers are regulated in Australia and can usually be ported between providers, which matters if you want to keep your number while upgrading service or support. If you’re also weighing up whether a shared-cost or free-call option is better, see our 1300 vs 1800 numbers guide.

Best 1300 Number Providers in Australia 2026

Choosing the right provider for you comes down to what you actually pay per month, whether you get locked into a contract, and how quickly you can get set up. We’ve reviewed seven Australian providers and outlined what they can offer you.

Plans, rates, and promotional offers may change. Always confirm directly with the provider before committing.

Telcoworks

Telcoworks is an Australian 1300 number specialist built for mobile-first businesses. This includes tradies, field service teams, and small operators who live on their phones.

Where most providers treat mobile routing as an afterthought, Telcoworks makes it the centrepiece. Every plan is designed around the reality that most Australian small businesses answer calls on a mobile, not a desk phone. Calls route through a Tier 1 Australian carrier network.

It’s the same enterprise-grade infrastructure the major telcos rely on. This means that call quality and reliability are carrier-grade without the carrier pricing.

Telcoworks focuses exclusively on 1300 and 1800 numbers. They don’t bundle VoIP, NBN, or mobile plans. It’s inbound virtual numbers and nothing else. That singular focus means support conversations are faster, setup is simpler, and you’re not paying for services you don’t need. The Australian-based support team handles onboarding and troubleshooting locally.

The plan structure gives businesses genuine flexibility. The entry-level plan starts at $5 per month on a 2-year agreement, which suits businesses that want the lowest possible fixed cost and have predictable, low call volumes.

For businesses that want month-to-month flexibility, the no-contract plan sits at $40 per month. The $80 per month unlimited plan includes IVR and reduces per-minute call costs. It’s a solid choice for any business fielding regular inbound calls on mobile.

Top Features

• Mobile-optimised call routing — built for businesses that answer on mobiles, not desk phones

• Tier 1 Australian carrier network — enterprise-grade call quality and near 100% uptime

• 1300/1800 number specialist — singular focus means faster support and simpler setup

• Flexible plan tiers — from $5/mo contracted to $80/mo unlimited, matching different business stages

• Call tracking dashboard — monitor call volumes, sources, and patterns

• Australian-based support — local team for onboarding and issue resolution

• Number porting — bring your existing 1300 number across from any provider

Pricing

See the full breakdown on Telcoworks’ 1300 number small business plans page.

Best For

Telcoworks is best for mobile-first Australian businesses, including tradies, field service operators, and small teams. It’s a strong option if you want a dedicated 1300 number provider with Tier 1 call quality and a plan structure that scales from startup to established.

How Does It Compare

Telcoworks’ $5/mo entry point is the cheapest on this list, making it a genuine option for businesses just getting started with a 1300 number. The $80/mo unlimited plan is competitive for businesses with higher call volumes, and the Tier 1 carrier network means you’re not sacrificing call quality for a lower price.

The key differentiator is the exclusive focus on 1300/1800 numbers. Telcoworks doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, which keeps the service lean and the support knowledgeable.

Alltel

Alltel is an established, feature-rich 1300 number provider designed for growing Australian businesses and teams.

With over 20 years in the market, Alltel positions itself as a full-service virtual communications provider. The standout add-on is their virtual receptionist service, which gives small teams a professional answering service without hiring staff.

When evaluating Alltel pricing, it’s important to keep per-minute costs in mind. Businesses should factor in the ongoing cost when evaluating the true price.

Top Features

• Virtual receptionist add-on — live answering by Australian-based receptionists
• Auto attendant and IVR — professional call menus and routing
• Call overflow and after-hours routing — redirect calls when your team is unavailable
• Online management portal — adjust settings and view call data in real time

Pricing

Alltel’s 1300 plans start at $5/mo for the first 12 months (plus $20 setup). Its more expensive plans have a $30 set-up fee.

Best For

Alltel is best for growing teams that want a virtual receptionist and professional call handling alongside their 1300 number.

How Does It Compare

Alltel’s $5 plans may look attractive, but high per-minute costs can add up quickly. Businesses with moderate call volumes may find an unlimited plan more predictable. Alltel’s strength is its virtual receptionist service. It’s a decent differentiator if live answering matters to your business.

Business 1300

Business 1300 is a versatile, multi-tier 1300 number provider suited for Australian businesses of all sizes.

Their six-tier plan structure ranges from $5 per month (Starter) through to $500 per month (Max), giving businesses room to scale without switching providers. No lock-in contracts apply across all tiers. The breadth of options makes Business 1300 one of the more flexible providers in the market.

The entry-level $5/month Starter plan carries per-minute rates of 15c/min to landlines and 30c/min to mobiles, which can add up for businesses with moderate call volumes.

Top Features

• 6-tier plan structure — scale from micro-business to enterprise without changing providers
• Free call routing and IVR — included on higher-tier plans
• Number porting — bring your existing 1300 number across
• Australian-based support — local team for onboarding and troubleshooting

Pricing

Plans range from $5/mo (Starter, per-minute rates) to $500/mo (Max, includes bundled minutes and advanced features). No lock-in contracts on any tier.

Best For

Business 1300 is best for mid-sized businesses that want a tiered plan structure they can grow into over time.

How Does It Compare

Business 1300 offers more plan tiers than any other provider here, which suits businesses with evolving needs. However, the entry-level Starter plan’s per-minute rates make it expensive for sole traders with regular call volumes.

Communiqa

Communiqa is an Australian-owned, carrier-grade 1300 number provider built for businesses wanting direct network access.

Its positioning is clearly premium. Communiqa’s starter plan costs $40 per month plus GST with a $20 setup fee, and the service is supplied month to month with no contracts and $0 call rates. It also presents itself as a 100% carrier service, with calls staying on Tier 1 network infrastructure in Australia.

That makes Communiqa a strong fit for businesses that want dependable routing, clear pricing, and a carrier-led setup rather than a reseller model. It is especially relevant where call quality and network control matter more than chasing the lowest monthly entry point.

The trade-off is price. Smaller businesses or buyers looking for the cheapest possible 1300 number may find better value elsewhere, particularly with providers that offer lower starting prices or more promotional entry plans.

Top Features

• $0 call rates on the starter plan.
• No contracts or early termination charges.
• Tier 1 Australian network infrastructure.
• Included call routing features on the plan.

Pricing

Communiqa’s 1300 Starter plan costs $40 per month plus GST with a $20 one-time setup fee. It is a month-to-month service with no contracts or cancellation fees. The brand also positions itself as a flat-rate, carrier-grade provider rather than a low-cost entry option.

Best For

Communiqa is best for businesses that prioritise carrier-grade reliability and want to deal directly with the network operator rather than a reseller.

How Does It Compare

Compared with Teleca, Communiqa is the more premium, infrastructure-led option. Teleca is more accessible for businesses wanting lower entry pricing, with plans from $20 per month and no lock-in contracts. Teleca also markets premium numbers from as low as $5 per month on some offerings, which makes it a stronger value choice for price-sensitive buyers.

Siptalk

Siptalk is a transparent, prepaid 1300 number provider designed for micro-businesses and sole traders.

Siptalk’s model is simple: $11 per month and 5.5c per minute. There are no bundled minutes, no complex tiers, and no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.

Siptalk’s per-minute-only model means costs can escalate significantly for businesses with higher call volumes, with no unlimited option available.

Top Features

• Prepaid, transparent pricing — every rate is published, no surprises
• Simple online setup — activate a number without lengthy onboarding
• Call forwarding to any Australian number — route to mobiles, landlines, or VoIP
• No lock-in contracts — cancel anytime without penalties

Pricing

Siptalk’s base plan is $1/mo with per-minute rates starting from 5.5c.

Best For

Siptalk is best for micro-businesses and sole traders with low call volumes who want complete pricing transparency.

How Does It Compare

Siptalk’s per-minute model means a business taking 500 mobile calls per month could pay $50+ in call charges alone on top of the $11 base. An unlimited plan from a provider like Teleca removes that variability entirely.

Vonex

Vonex is a multi-service Australian telco provider offering 1300 numbers alongside VoIP, internet, and business phone systems.

As an ASX-listed company, Vonex brings corporate credibility and a wide product range. Their 1300 number service sits within a broader portfolio that includes hosted PBX, SIP trunking, and NBN plans. For businesses already using Vonex for other telco services, adding a 1300 number creates a single-provider setup.

Vonex’s 1300 number offering is one product among a broader portfolio, which may mean less specialist focus compared to dedicated 1300 number providers.

Top Features

• Integrated telco ecosystem — bundle 1300 numbers with VoIP, internet, and PBX
• ASX-listed company — publicly traded with corporate governance and transparency
• Hosted PBX integration — connect your 1300 number directly into your phone system
• National coverage — services available across all Australian states and territories

Pricing

Vonex does not publish standalone 1300 number pricing publicly. Rates are typically bundled with other services or provided via custom quote.

Best For

Vonex is best for businesses already using (or considering) Vonex for VoIP or internet that want to consolidate their telco services under one provider.

How Does It Compare

Vonex makes sense as an add-on if you already use their ecosystem, but businesses shopping specifically for a 1300 number will find dedicated providers offer more transparent pricing and specialist support. The bundled approach suits consolidation, not comparison shopping.

How Does Teleca Compare? (Plan Comparison Table)

Numbers don’t lie. Here’s an exact comparison of Teleca’s $40 Unlimited Plan against the equivalent plan from four major competitors. It looks beyond headline pricing to compare inclusions, access fees, and likely call costs across each option.

*All Competitor offers are shown as advertised on 31/12/2024. All trademarks are owned by the corresponding entities.

Understanding 1300 Number Pricing Models

Per-Minute Plans

Per-minute plans charge you based on usage, so they suit businesses with lower or less predictable inbound volume. For callers, landline calls are usually billed at local rates or the equivalent of a standard local call, though call costs can vary by the caller’s location and whether they use an Australian phone line, mobile, or overseas service.

This model can work well if your inbound call traffic is steady but not excessive. Instead of paying a flat monthly fee for unlimited use, you’re only charged for the minutes you actually receive.

That makes per-minute pricing appealing for smaller teams, seasonal operations, or businesses just getting started with a 1300 number.

However, if your calls spike regularly, costs can become harder to predict. What looks cheaper at first can end up costing more over time if your usage grows.

Unlimited Plans

Unlimited plans offer more predictable monthly billing, which makes them attractive for businesses with high call volumes or customer service teams that rely heavily on phone contact. If you’re comparing number types, the only difference between a 1300 number and a toll-free number is who pays the call cost.

With an unlimited plan, you typically pay one fixed monthly rate regardless of how many calls you receive. That can make budgeting easier and remove the stress of watching usage every month.

For businesses handling frequent enquiries, bookings, or support calls, this pricing model often provides better long-term value.

Still, not all “unlimited” plans are equal. Some come with fair use limits, restrictions, or exclusions, so it’s important to read the fine print before signing up.

Setup and Activation Fees

Setup and activation fees are one-off charges some providers add when you first connect your number, but not every provider applies them. Some waive setup fees entirely, which makes upfront comparisons clearer and helps you avoid paying more before your service even goes live.

These fees can include number provisioning, account configuration, or basic onboarding. In some cases, they’re modest. In others, they significantly increase the real cost of getting started.

If you’re comparing providers, don’t just look at the monthly plan. A low advertised rate can lose its value quickly if the upfront charges are high.

That’s why it’s worth checking whether setup or activation is included, discounted, or charged separately before you commit.

Premium Number Costs

Premium numbers usually cost more because they’re easier to remember, more brandable, or considered more desirable. A phone word or highly memorable number can attract a higher price because it strengthens branding and makes your business easier to recall in advertising.

Examples include repeated digits, number patterns, or custom combinations that align closely with a business name. These numbers can carry a higher monthly fee, a higher upfront cost, or both.

For some businesses, that added cost is justified. A memorable number can improve recall and make marketing more effective, especially across radio, print, or vehicle signage.

But if branding isn’t a major priority, a standard 1300 number may deliver the same core functionality at a much lower price.

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Here’s where the cheap headline price falls apart: setup fees, feature add-ons, lock-in contracts, porting charges, and admin fees can all quietly inflate your total cost. The real issue is whether those extras are clearly disclosed upfront or buried in the fine print after you’ve already compared plans.

Some providers advertise a low monthly rate, then charge extra for features you’d reasonably expect to be included — like call routing, voicemail, reporting, or SMS notifications.

Others tie you into long contract terms or charge penalties if you cancel early. That can make a “budget” plan far more expensive than it first appears.

Porting charges are another common one. If you want to bring an existing number across, some providers will charge a fee just to transfer it.

Then there are admin fees — small charges for billing changes, account updates, or support requests that slowly add up over time.

The safest approach is simple: ask for a full breakdown of every possible charge before signing anything. If pricing isn’t transparent, that’s usually a sign the overall value isn’t either.

Key Features to Look For in a 1300 Number Provider

8-point feature checklist

When comparing providers, don’t just look at price — advanced routing features should be part of any serious evaluation.

Call Forwarding + Simultaneous Ringing

At a minimum, you should be able to send calls to multiple destinations at once so your team can answer faster. Strong providers also offer custom call routing with flexible routing options, including geographic routing, call overflow, and ways to redirect calls to mobile phones, an office phone, or other destinations as needs change.

IVR Menu

An IVR menu helps callers reach the right person or department without tying up your team. A voice prompt menu also improves customer experience by helping route calls to the right team during busy periods or outside business hours.

Time-of-Day and State-Based Routing

If you serve customers across Australia, you’ll want rules that can handle different time zones and office schedules. The right setup can route calls by business hours and the caller’s location, with routing calls handled automatically as your team and coverage grow.

Call Analytics

You should be able to see what’s happening with your inbound traffic, not just receive the calls. Good Call Analytics includes detailed reporting on call volumes, durations, call patterns, and call tracking for marketing performance, helping you measure sales leads and campaign effectiveness.

Voicemail to Email

This one is simple but useful. If a call is missed, voicemail should be delivered straight to email so your team can respond quickly.

Number Selection (Generic/Premium/Memorable)

The ability to choose from generic, premium, or memorable numbers gives you more control over branding and recall. Quality inbound business numbers and other business numbers are especially valuable because they give you the same number nationwide and help reinforce a professional image.

Self-Management Portal

A solid portal makes it easier to update routing, users, and account settings without waiting on support. Some providers also include bundled management solutions, such as answering service or virtual receptionist options, as broader call management solutions.

Carrier Network Quality

This is the part many businesses overlook. If reliability matters, choose a provider with genuine Tier 1 carrier infrastructure rather than a budget reseller, because network quality affects uptime, call clarity, and day-to-day business operations.

How to Choose the Right 1300 Number Provider for Your Business

Decision framework: 5 questions to choose the right provider

Use this quick checklist to compare options and avoid paying for things you don’t need.

12-month total cost of ownership: a simple example

Let’s make the maths clear.

If a provider charges per call and you average 200 calls per month, multiply that monthly cost by 12 to estimate your annual spend. Then compare it with a flat-rate option like Teleca’s $40 unlimited plan:

• Per-minute provider: monthly call costs × 12 = annual cost
• Teleca unlimited: $40 × 12 = $480 per year

That side-by-side view makes it easier to see which option offers better value over time. Providers focused on inbound numbers also tend to offer more flexible call management as the business grows, which can matter just as much as the headline price.

Choosing a Provider by Business Type

Sole traders and freelancers

If you work solo, Teleca is usually the best fit. It gives you the essentials without overcomplicating setup, and a 1300 number helps you avoid putting your personal mobile on every ad, listing, and invoice.

Trades and service businesses

If you run a plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or maintenance business, Teleca is the stronger option for day-to-day flexibility. It works well when your hot water customers ring at 9 pm, and you need after-hours routing, missed-call handling, and a central business number that presents a more professional image as you grow.

Growing SMEs (5–20 staff)

For growing teams, Teleca is often the better choice because it stays simple while giving you enough control over routing, reporting, and team coverage. It suits businesses that want to look established and keep inbound calls organised without paying for a heavier system too early.

Enterprise and call centres

If you need phone systems bundled with broader business telecoms, Alltel or Vonex may be a better fit, however Teleca does offer enterprise grade plans. Higher-volume teams may also need call centre-style routing and overflow handling, especially when multiple departments or locations are sharing inbound demand.

Unlimited Plans vs Per-Minute Plans

Features and pricing only matter if they match your business. Here’s a practical framework for making the right decision.

Match the pricing model to your call volume. This is the single most important decision. If you receive fewer than 100 inbound calls per month, a per-minute plan is likely cheaper. If you’re fielding hundreds of calls, an unlimited plan protects you from bill shock and makes costs predictable. Get this wrong, and you’ll either overpay for capacity you don’t use or get stung by per-minute charges you didn’t anticipate.

At what monthly call volume does unlimited become cheaper?

The crossover point depends on the provider’s access fee and per-minute rate, but the math is simple: compare the total monthly cost of a usage-based plan against the fixed fee of an unlimited plan. As a practical example, if a per-minute plan costs $15 per month plus $0.12 per minute, and an unlimited plan costs $75 per month, the break-even point is 500 minutes of inbound call traffic per month. Once your usage is consistently around that level or higher, unlimited plans usually become more economical because they offset ongoing per-minute charges.

5-step decision checklist

1. Match pricing to your expected monthly volume.
2. Check contract terms, minimums, and any setup fees.
3. Review call management and routing options before deciding between unlimited and per-minute billing.
4. Test support responsiveness and service clarity.
5. Verify the carrier network and reliability.