Best 1300 Number Provider in Australia: Top Picks for Your Business

In today's business landscape, having a 1300 number is a great way to ensure that your customers can reach you easily and at an affordable cost. But with so many 1300 number providers available in Australia, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your business. In this article, we'll explore some of the top 1300 number providers in Australia, including Siptalk, and highlight the features and benefits that each provider offers. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of the various 1300 number providers available in Australia and which one might be the best fit for your business needs.

Introduction

Explanation of the benefits of having a 1300 number for your business

A 1300 number is a virtual phone number that allows customers to call your business from anywhere in Australia at the cost of a local call. There are many benefits to having a 1300 number for your business, including:

1. National Presence: Having a 1300 number gives your business a national presence, making it easier for customers from all over Australia to contact you.
2. Cost-Effective: Since customers only pay the cost of a local call, having a 1300 number can be more cost-effective than having a regular landline or mobile number for your business.
3. Professional Image: A 1300 number can help your business appear more professional and established, especially if you're a small business or startup.
4. Increased Call Volume: With a 1300 number, you can receive more calls from customers without having to worry about missing them due to busy signals or call waiting.
5. Call Routing: A 1300 number allows you to route calls to different locations or departments within your business, making it easier to manage and direct customer inquiries.

Overall, having a 1300 number for your business can be an effective way to improve your customer service, expand your reach, and appear more professional to your customers.

Overview of the article, which will compare three popular 1300 number providers

This article will provide an in-depth comparison of three popular 1300 number providers in Australia, highlighting their services, features, pricing, network coverage, customer support, and other important considerations. The three providers that we will be comparing are Siptalk, Optus, and Telstra.

Siptalk is an Australian VoIP service provider that offers 1300 numbers, as well as other virtual phone services. Optus is a leading telecommunications company in Australia that provides 1300 numbers and other business communication solutions. Telstra is a well-known telecommunications company in Australia that offers a range of communication services, including 1300 numbers.

By comparing these three providers, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision about which 1300 number provider is best for your business. We will examine each provider's features and pricing in detail, analyse their network coverage and customer support, and present the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Ultimately, we will provide a recommendation for which provider may be the best choice based on different business needs.

Provider 1: Siptalk

Overview of Siptalk's services and features

Siptalk is an Australian VoIP service provider that offers a range of communication services, including 1300 numbers, virtual phone systems, and cloud-based phone solutions. Siptalk's 1300 number service comes with a range of features designed to enhance the customer experience and improve the efficiency of business communication. Some of the features of Siptalk's 1300 number service include:

• Custom Greetings: Siptalk allows you to create custom greetings to welcome your customers and provide them with important information about your business.
• Call Routing: You can choose how to route incoming calls to different locations or departments within your business, ensuring that customer inquiries are directed to the right person or team.
• Call Recording: Siptalk's 1300 number service includes call recording, which can be useful for training purposes, quality assurance, and dispute resolution.
• Reporting and Analytics: Siptalk provides detailed reporting and analytics for your 1300 number, allowing you to track call volume, call duration, and other key metrics to help you better understand your customer communication.
• Business Continuity: With Siptalk, you can ensure business continuity even in the event of an outage or natural disaster. Siptalk offers automatic failover to ensure that your calls are automatically redirected to a backup number in case of service disruptions.

Overall, Siptalk's 1300 number service offers a range of features and tools to help businesses manage their customer communication effectively. With custom greetings, call routing, call recording, reporting and analytics, and business continuity features, Siptalk is a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to improve their communication with customers.

Pricing plans and options

Siptalk's pricing plans for their 1300 numbers are simple and affordable. They offer a single simple 1300 number plan that has a rental charge of $10 per month with additional calls charged at a per-minute rate depending on the type of number and destination.

Calls routed into PBX extensions cost 5 cents per minute, while calls routed to fixed/national numbers cost 8 cents per minute and inbound calls routed to mobile numbers cost 10 cents per minute. These prices are exGST

Siptalk's pricing plans are straightforward and transparent, with no hidden charges or complicated levels. Overall, Siptalk's affordable 1300 number pricing makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes looking to improve their customer service and increase their marketing efforts.

Network coverage and availability

Siptalk use Optus as their primary carrier, and have invested in their own telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that they have a reliable and robust system in place to handle 1300 number calls. Siptalk's network is built on redundant, geographically diverse systems, meaning that their 1300 numbers are available around the clock, every day of the year.

One of the benefits of Siptalk's network is that it is entirely cloud-based, meaning that businesses can easily manage their 1300 number from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows businesses to have more control over their call routing and call management, and to customise their 1300 number according to their unique needs. Additionally, Siptalk offers advanced call routing options, such as time-based routing, auto attendant and call queues, that allow businesses to optimise their call handling and ensure that their customers are always connected to the right person.

In terms of availability, Siptalk has a robust service level agreement (SLA) in place, with a guaranteed uptime of 99.99%. This means that their 1300 numbers are highly reliable, and businesses can have confidence that their customers will be able to connect with them whenever they need to.

Overall, Siptalk's comprehensive network coverage and high availability, with Optus as their primary carrier, make it a reliable and attractive option for businesses looking to establish a 1300 number for their organisation.

Customer support and user reviews

Siptalk places a strong emphasis on customer support, providing a range of options for businesses to get the help they need. Their website features a comprehensive knowledge base, with a range of articles and guides to help businesses get started with their 1300 number and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. They also have a support team available via phone or email, who are able to answer any questions or concerns that businesses may have about their service.

In terms of user reviews, Siptalk has received positive feedback from customers, particularly in relation to their pricing and customer service. Many customers have praised Siptalk's easy-to-understand pricing structure, which offers transparent and competitive rates for their 1300 number service. Customers have also noted the reliability and performance of Siptalk's network, with high uptime and call quality reported across the board.

Overall, Siptalk's focus on customer support and positive user reviews make it a strong contender for businesses looking to establish a reliable and cost-effective 1300 number service.

Advantages and disadvantages of choosing Siptalk

Advantages:

1. Competitive pricing: Siptalk offers some of the most affordable pricing options in the industry, making it an attractive option for small and medium-sized businesses.
2. Strong focus on customer support: Siptalk's customer support team is highly responsive and knowledgeable, providing businesses with the help they need to get the most out of their 1300 number service.
3. Transparent pricing structure: Siptalk's pricing is easy to understand, with no hidden fees or charges, and businesses only pay for the services they use.
4. Prepaid platform: Siptalk's platform is prepaid, so businesses can easily manage their costs and avoid unexpected bills.

Disadvantages:

1. Web-based management portal can be complex: Some users have noted that Siptalk's web-based management portal can be difficult to navigate, which can make it challenging for businesses to configure and manage their service.

Overall, Siptalk is a strong choice for businesses looking for a reliable and cost-effective 1300 number service, particularly if they prioritize responsive customer support and transparent pricing. However, businesses that require more advanced features or are concerned about potential service reliability issues may need to consider other providers.

Provider 2: Optus

Overview of Optus' services and features

Optus is a well established telecommunications company that offers a range of business solutions, including 1300 number services. Their 1300 number service includes features such as custom call routing, call waiting, and voicemail. In addition, they offer a range of call management features that can help businesses better manage their inbound calls, such as call barring and call diversion.

Their service also includes a range of reporting and analytics tools, which can help businesses to gain insights into their call volume, call patterns, and call outcomes. This can be especially useful for businesses looking to optimise their call centre operations or better understand their customers' needs.

Overall, the Optus service offers a range of features and options that can be tailored to meet the needs of different businesses. It's worth noting though, that their pricing can be higher than some other providers, and they may require a minimum contract term, which could be a disadvantage for some.

Pricing plans and options

Optus charges a monthly access fee of $27.50, and the minimum total cost over 12 months (excluding call charges) is $330.

If you receive incoming calls on a fixed number, local calls are free for the first 15 minutes, and then it costs 8.8c per minute thereafter. National calls cost 13.2c per minute, while mobile calls from within Australia cost 16.5c per minute.

If you receive incoming calls on a mobile number, All calls from within Australia are 16.5c per minute.

You can view the full pricing detail here: https://www.optus.com.au/business/office-phone/1300-and-1800-numbers

Network coverage and availability

Optus has a large network coverage across Australia, and their 1300 numbers are available in all states and territories. For businesses that require it, they also provide international call forwarding services. Optus offers a dependable service with a 99.95% uptime guarantee, and their network coverage includes all major cities, towns, and regional areas. Optus 1300 numbers have excellent network coverage and can be reached from both fixed lines and mobile phones across the country. Furthermore, their call diversion feature enables businesses to route calls from one location to another to ensure that calls are answered as soon as possible.

Customer support and user reviews

Optus is a well-known telecommunications provider in Australia, offering a range of services to both consumers and businesses. Their customer support team is available 24/7 via phone and live chat to assist with any issues or questions regarding their services, including 1300 numbers.

While Optus has generally positive reviews, there have been some complaints from customers about issues with call quality and network coverage in certain areas. However, Optus has a large network and infrastructure in place, which means that coverage is generally reliable and consistent throughout most of Australia.

One advantage of using Optus as a 1300 number provider is their ability to bundle services, such as mobile and broadband, which can make managing your business telecommunications needs more streamlined. Optus also offers a range of additional services, such as call management and conferencing, which can be useful for businesses looking for more advanced features.

Overall, while Optus may not offer the cheapest 1300 number pricing, they are a reliable and well-established provider with a wide range of additional services and support options available.

Advantages and disadvantages of choosing Optus

Optus has been a leading telecommunications provider in Australia for many years, and their 1300 number services offer a range of features and options. One of the biggest advantages of choosing Optus is their extensive network coverage, which ensures that businesses can receive calls from customers across the country. Additionally, Optus offers a range of pricing plans to suit businesses of all sizes and budgets.

However, their pricing can be substantially higher than some of their competitors, which may be a disadvantage for businesses looking for a cost effective pricing structure. Additionally, some users have reported issues with their customer support, which can be frustrating for businesses that need timely and reliable support.

Overall, Optus is a good option for businesses looking for a 1300 number provider with strong network coverage and a range of pricing plans. However, businesses should carefully consider the complexity of Optus's pricing and their customer service reputation before making a decision.

Provider 3: Telstra

Overview of Telstra's services and features

Telstra and Siptalk are among the leading 1300 number providers in Australia, with a range of services and features designed to suit businesses of all sizes. Their 1300 number service offers customers the ability to call your business from anywhere in Australia at a cost equivalent to a local call. Telstra also offers an 1800 number service, which allows customers to call your business for free from a fixed line anywhere in Australia.

In addition to their inbound number services, Telstra provides customers with a range of features to help manage their inbound calls. These include call diversion, which allows you to redirect incoming calls to any phone number, voicemail, call blocking, and call reporting. Telstra also offers a range of business phone systems, such as traditional PBX systems, cloud-based solutions, and IP telephony services.

Telstra's 1300 number service comes with a range of pricing plans and options, including monthly plans with inclusive call minutes and per-minute billing. They also offer a range of additional features, such as call recording, IVR auto-attendant, and custom routing options. Telstra's 1300 number service is built on their extensive nationwide network, ensuring that you'll have excellent call quality and availability.

Overall, Telstra's 1300 number service is a reliable and flexible solution for businesses of all sizes. Whether you need a simple inbound number service or a more complex business phone system, Telstra has the tools and expertise to help you succeed.

Pricing plans and options

Telstra offers a range of 1300 number services, but unlike the other providers, they do not appear to advertise their 1300 number pricing publicly. This may make it difficult for businesses to compare pricing and determine if Telstra is the right provider for their needs.

They do offer a similar range of features to other providers, including call routing, call management, and reporting. You can find the complete information about their enterprise inbound numbers offering here: https://www.telstra.com.au/business-enterprise/products/unified-communications/customer-contact/inbound-services

Telstra is a well-established and reputable telecommunications company, so businesses may feel more comfortable with their services, even if they come at a higher price point. Businesses interested in Telstra's 1300 number services should contact the company directly to discuss pricing and service options.

Network coverage and availability

Telstra has an extensive network that covers most parts of Australia, which means that businesses can enjoy the benefits of using a 1300 number even in remote or regional areas. Their network is designed to provide maximum uptime availability, ensuring that customers can reach your business at any time of the day or night.

Telstra is known for its reliability and quality of service, which is particularly important for businesses that rely heavily on inbound calls. With Telstra, you can expect a high level of network performance, minimal call drops, and fast call set-up times.

In addition, Telstra offers a range of network features that can help improve call quality and reliability, such as network redundancy, call routing, and failover. These features can help ensure that your business is always accessible and that customer calls are always routed to the right person or department.

Overall, Telstra's network coverage and uptime availability are key advantages for businesses looking for a 1300 number provider. However, it's important to note that while Telstra's network may be more reliable, their pricing and plans may not be as transparent or competitive as some of their competitors.

Customer support and user reviews

Telstra has a reputation for providing reliable and high-quality network coverage across Australia, but when it comes to customer support, the reviews are mixed. While some customers report positive experiences with Telstra's customer service, others have found it frustrating and unhelpful.

One common issue that users report is long wait times when trying to reach Telstra's customer support team. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with billing and account management, with some even alleging that they have been overcharged or had difficulty resolving billing disputes.

However, it's important to note that some users have had positive experiences with Telstra's customer support team, particularly in resolving technical issues and network outages. Overall, the quality of Telstra's customer support may depend on the specific issue at hand and the individual representative that a customer interacts with.

Despite mixed reviews on Telstra's customer support, the provider's reliable network coverage and uptime availability make it a strong option for businesses that rely on consistent phone service.

Advantages and disadvantages of choosing Telstra

Telstra is a well-known and reputable telecommunications company in Australia, and they have a wide range of services and features for businesses. However, it's important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Telstra as your 1300 number provider.

Advantages:

• Wide network coverage: Telstra has the largest network coverage in Australia, which means that you're more likely to have strong signal and internet connectivity in more locations.
• High uptime availability: Telstra is known for its high uptime availability, which means that their services are reliable and have minimal downtime.
• Advanced features: Telstra offers a range of advanced features for businesses, such as call routing, voicemail to email, and call analytics.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of transparent pricing: Unlike other providers, Telstra doesn't advertise their 1300 number pricing publicly, which means that it's difficult to compare their prices to other providers and there may be hidden fees.
• Poor customer support: Some customers have reported poor customer support from Telstra, which can make it frustrating to resolve issues and get assistance when needed.
• High costs: Although the exact pricing for Telstra's 1300 number services is not publicly available, some customers have reported that Telstra can be more expensive than other providers.

Overall, Telstra may be a good choice for businesses that prioritize wide network coverage, advanced features, and reliability, but it's important to consider the potential drawbacks such as lack of transparent pricing and poor customer support.

Comparison and Conclusion

Side-by-side comparison of the providers' features and pricing

When comparing Siptalk and Optus as 1300 number providers, it's clear that both have a range of pricing options to suit different business needs. Siptalk's pricing is very transparent and offers good value across the board, while Optus has a slightly more expensive monthly access fee but offers 15 minutes of free calls to 1300 numbers from local when routing calls to fixed lines.

However, it's important to note that Telstra doesn't appear to display their 1300 number pricing publicly, so it may be harder for potential customers to compare their options and make an informed decision. This lack of transparency can be a disadvantage for businesses looking to make a cost-effective choice.

When it comes to network coverage and availability, all providers rely on their own networks, with Siptalk's primary carrier being Optus. Telstra has a well-established reputation for providing reliable network coverage and uptime, which can be a major advantage for businesses that require a high level of service reliability.

In terms of customer support and user reviews, both Siptalk and Optus have generally positive feedback from customers. Siptalk's customer service has been praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness, while Optus is known for its fast and efficient installation and setup process. However, there have been some negative reviews of Optus' customer service, which may be a disadvantage for businesses that require ongoing support.

Overall, when choosing a 1300 number provider, it's important to carefully consider each provider's features, pricing, network coverage, and customer support before making a decision. While Siptalk and Optus both have their advantages and disadvantages, Telstra's lack of transparent pricing may make it a less attractive option for some businesses.

Analysis of each provider's advantages and disadvantages

Siptalk's main advantage is its affordable pricing, with no hidden fees and excellent value for money. They also provide quality customer support, a range of additional features, and offer the option of a 14-day post-paid account. While their network coverage and uptime availability are excellent, they do not offer the same level of brand recognition as Optus and Telstra.

Optus is a well-established telecommunications provider with a large network coverage and excellent uptime availability. They offer competitive pricing for their 1300 number services and additional features such as auto-attendants and call queuing. Their downside is that their customer support has received mixed reviews in the past, and their pricing may not be as transparent as Siptalk.

Telstra's 1300 number services offer a range of additional features, such as call forwarding and time-based routing. However, they do not appear to advertise their 1300 number pricing publicly, which can make it difficult to compare their offering to other providers. Additionally, Telstra's brand recognition can come at a premium cost, and they may not be the most affordable option for smaller businesses.

When choosing a 1300 number provider, it is important to consider the unique needs of your business. Siptalk may be the best option for businesses looking for an affordable, straightforward pricing plan and quality customer support. Optus is an excellent choice for businesses looking for extensive network coverage and uptime availability, as well as a range of additional features. Telstra's 1300 number services may be the best option for larger, well-established businesses with a need for a more extensive suite of additional features, but it is important to keep in mind that their pricing may not be as transparent as other providers.

Conclusion and recommendation for which provider may be best

Based on the comparison of the three 1300 number providers in Australia, it's clear that each provider has its strengths and weaknesses. For businesses looking for affordability and flexibility, Siptalk could be a good option. Optus is an excellent choice for businesses that value a strong network and high call quality. However, it should be noted that Optus has limited support options. Telstra has a reputation for being a reliable service, but it lacks transparency in pricing and its customer support has mixed reviews.

Ultimately, the best provider for your business will depend on your specific needs and priorities. It's important to consider factors such as pricing, network coverage and uptime, customer support, and scalability. For businesses that value affordability and flexibility, Siptalk may be the best choice. For those looking for a strong network and high call quality, Optus is an excellent option. Businesses that prioritise reliability may want to consider Telstra, though it's important to note that the lack of transparency in pricing and mixed reviews of their customer support may be a concern.

In conclusion, we recommend that businesses carefully evaluate their specific needs and priorities before choosing a 1300 number provider in Australia. It's essential to do your research and consider all the relevant factors before making a decision. Ultimately, the right provider will help your business improve its customer service, brand image, and overall efficiency.

Further Considerations

Additional factors to consider when choosing a 1300 number provider

When selecting a 1300 number provider for your business, there are other important factors to consider in addition to pricing and features. One such factor is contract terms. You should ensure that you are aware of the length of the contract and any associated termination fees. Some providers offer month-to-month contracts, while others require a minimum commitment of 12 months or more.

Another consideration is service guarantees. You should look for providers that offer reliable service and uptime guarantees, which ensure that your business's phone lines will be available when you need them. Additionally, some providers may offer compensation if their service is not available for a certain period of time, so it is important to review their service level agreements.

Scalability is also important, particularly if your business is growing rapidly. You should consider whether the provider can accommodate your business's growth by allowing you to add additional lines or services as needed. This is particularly important if your business operates in seasonal industries or if you experience spikes in call volume.

Finally, it's important to review customer support options offered by the provider. Look for providers that offer multiple support channels, including phone, email, and live chat, as well as comprehensive self-help resources such as user guides and video tutorials. Also, take into account customer reviews on the quality of the provider's customer support.

By taking into consideration these additional factors, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a 1300 number provider that can best suit your business's needs.

Final Thoughts

Recap of the considerations for choosing the best 1300 number provider

In conclusion, choosing the right 1300 number provider is an important decision for any business. It can impact customer experience, branding, and overall success. By comparing the features, pricing, network coverage, and customer support of each provider, businesses can make informed decisions that meet their unique needs. Additionally, it's important to consider additional factors such as contract terms, service guarantees, and scalability to ensure the provider can adapt to changing business needs. Whether you're a small business owner or a large corporation, taking the time to select the right 1300 number provider is a worthwhile investment that can pay off in the long run.

Final recommendations and tips for selecting the best 1300 number provider

When selecting a 1300 number provider in Australia, it is important to consider various factors such as pricing, network coverage, customer support, contract terms, service guarantees, and scalability.

Based on our comparison, Siptalk and Optus are providers that offer transparent and affordable pricing, reliable network coverage, and responsive customer support. However, Telstra, despite not disclosing their pricing publicly, may be a suitable choice for businesses looking for a reputable and established provider with a wide range of services.

When making your final decision, it is essential to consider your specific business needs and requirements. If you operate a small business and require a simple and cost-effective solution, Siptalk may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you need advanced features and customization options, Optus could be the ideal provider for you.

Regardless of the provider you choose, it is essential to review the contract terms, service guarantees, and scalability options. Look for providers that offer flexible contracts with no hidden fees, and ensure that the service can scale up or down as your business needs change.

In conclusion, choosing the right 1300 number provider can be a crucial decision for your business. By considering the factors discussed in this article and conducting your research, you can select a provider that meets your unique needs and provides excellent value for money.

15th February 2023