Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is transforming how Australians communicate, offering a modern alternative to traditional phone lines. VoIP allows users to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular phone line.
What is a VoIP Number?
A VoIP number is a unique phone number assigned to a user, just like a traditional landline number, but it operates over the internet. In Australia, VoIP numbers are becoming increasingly popular among businesses and individuals due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Benefits of VoIP in Australia
- Cost Savings: VoIP services typically offer lower rates for local, national, and international calls compared to traditional phone services.
- Flexibility: Users can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, perfect for remote work and businesses with multiple locations.
- Advanced Features: VoIP services often include features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, and video conferencing, which are not always available with traditional phone services.
How VOIP Numbers Australia Works
There are various steps involved in a VoIP call. There are various call flows, network layouts, and ring methods such as Group Hunt involved.
- Web Browser Initiates a VoIP Call: The process begins when a user initiates a VoIP call from a web browser. This could be through a web-based VoIP application or a browser extension.
- Load Balancer Distributes the Call: The call request is then sent to a load balancer. The load balancer’s role is to distribute network traffic evenly across multiple servers to ensure no single server becomes overwhelmed. This is crucial in maintaining high-quality, uninterrupted VoIP calls.
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- Call Server Processes the Call: The load balancer forwards the call to a call server. The call server is responsible for processing the call and managing the communication between the caller and the recipient.
- Group Hunt Determines Call Routing: The call server uses a method known as Group Hunt to determine how the call should be routed. Group Hunt is a ring method that distributes incoming calls to multiple phones or extensions in a pre-set pattern until the call is answered or sent to voicemail.
- Phones Ring in the Specified Pattern: Based on the Group Hunt settings, the phones ring in the specified pattern. This could be in a linear sequence, simultaneously, or in a more complex pattern depending on the business’s needs.
- Call Server Connects the Call: Once the call is answered, the call server connects the call, allowing the caller and the recipient to communicate.
- Network Routes the Call: The call is then routed through the network to the destination. The network layout can vary depending on the specific VoIP setup. It could be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a cloud-based network.
Understanding these steps can help businesses optimize their VoIP systems for better call quality, efficiency, and customer service. With a well-configured VoIP system, businesses can enjoy cost savings, improved flexibility, and enhanced communication capabilities.
Choosing a VoIP number
When you’re deciding on a VoIP number for your business in Australia, there are a few things to keep in mind. There are different phone number prefixes, and they come with different digits, costs and functionality. It’s worth noting that, as a business, you do not actually own the number – instead, you’re provided with the enhanced right of use for it, or EROU, over the course of your VoIP plan.
In Australia, the three main prefixes for VoIP numbers are 1300, 13, and 1800. These are known as smart numbers.
Types of VoIP numbers in Australia
1300 XXX XXX numbers
A 1300 number charges both the caller and the business for each call. It’s the most common type of VoIP number Australia.
The caller pays standard local call charges from a fixed line anywhere in Australia or the rates of their mobile service provider. As a business, you’ll pay local and national call rates for the length of your incoming calls.
1300 numbers do not offer toll-free calls.
13 XX XX numbers
Easy to remember with only six digits, 13 numbers are ideal for businesses looking to establish a large national presence. However, these numbers do come with a monthly government fee.
Like a 1300 number, the cost for 13 numbers is shared between the caller and the business.
1800 XXX XXX numbers
With an 1800 number, the business pays all call charges for incoming calls. For the caller, the number is toll-free from both fixed lines and mobiles.
Which VoIP number prefix should my business choose?
At Aria Telco Management, we offer both 13 and 1300 numbers in our VoIP plans to customers in Australia.
1300 numbers are a professional but affordable option. You’ll be able to reach customers nationally with a number that’s easy to remember, and can make your number even easier to recall with repeated digits or a memorable phoneword.
If you find the majority of your incoming calls are from landline to landline, one of our unlimited call plans can help save you considerable money on your phone bill.
13 XX XX numbers
Easy to remember with only six digits, 13 numbers are ideal for businesses looking to establish a large national presence. However, these numbers do come with a monthly government fee.
Like a 1300 number, the cost for 13 numbers is shared between the caller and the business.
1800 XXX XXX numbers
With an 1800 number, the business pays all call charges for incoming calls. For the caller, the number is toll-free from both fixed lines and mobiles.
Which VoIP number prefix should my business choose?
At Aria Telco Management, we offer both 13 and 1300 numbers in our VoIP plans to customers in Australia.
1300 numbers are a professional but affordable option. You’ll be able to reach customers nationally with a number that’s easy to remember, and can make your number even easier to recall with repeated digits or a memorable phoneword.
If you find the majority of your incoming calls are from landline to landline, one of our unlimited call plans can help save you considerable money on your phone bill.
13 numbers are ideal if your business is looking to elevate its profile. At only six digits, 13 numbers are typically associated with larger organisations and will imprint easily in your customer’s minds. If you regularly run campaigns on TV, radio or out-of-home, a more compact number may be your ideal solution.
13 numbers are more sought-after for this reason, and are typically used by major corporate or government entities. As such, these numbers attract an ACMA government fee of $695 per month.
Other VoIP considerations
There is a massive range of VoIP phone systems available in Australia. Choosing your number is only one aspect – here are a few other things you should keep in mind.
At Aria Telco Management, we offer different tiers of VoIP plans with a set number of handsets, unlimited calls and full-system integration. We’ll ensure your system works seamlessly for all your employees, no matter where they’re working.
Having problems with your current provider? Or stuck with an overpriced phone plan? We can conduct an audit to help you get out of an unfair contract, and choose a system and plan that better suits your needs. We’re here to find the best solution for you, not for big telco.
Ready to chat with us and find the best VoIP number in Australia for your needs? It’s your call.
FAQs About VoIP Numbers in Australia
How can I get a VOIP number in Australia?
As long as you have a stable internet connection in Australia, you can get a VoIP number. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is an efficient, secure, cost-effective technology that allows you to make phone calls using the internet. In an era where an increasing number of employees are working from home, VoIP provides a flexible solution that can be set up within minutes.
What is the cost of a VOIP number in Australia?
The cost of a VoIP number in Australia can vary depending on the provider and the specific features you require. At Aria Telco Management, we offer competitive pricing for our VoIP plans. It’s worth noting that, as a business, you do not actually own the number – instead, you’re provided with the enhanced right of use for it, or EROU, over the course of your VoIP plan.
How does a VoIP number function as a virtual mobile number in Australia?
A VoIP number functions as a virtual mobile number by allowing you to make and receive calls over the internet, rather than through traditional phone lines. This means you can use your VoIP number from any device with an internet connection, making it a flexible and portable solution for businesses.
Which Australian VoIP number is the best choice for my business?
The best VoIP number for your business depends on your specific needs and circumstances. At Aria Telco Management, we offer both 13 and 1300 numbers in our VoIP plans to customers in Australia. 1300 numbers are a professional but affordable option, while 13 numbers are ideal if your business is looking to elevate its profile. We’re here to help you find the best solution for your needs. For more detailed information, please see our VOIP Plans.
