Having a specific mobile phone number that's easy to remember can be a boon. It adds a personal touch to your contact details and can even enhance your professional image. In Australia, you can choose your own mobile number with select providers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of how to get a specific mobile phone number in Australia.
Can You Choose Your Own Mobile Phone Number?
Yes, you can! In Australia, certain mobile network operators allow you to select a unique 'premium' mobile number. These numbers often contain memorable or auspicious sequences, such as:
- 0400 111111
- 0422 222 222
- 0413 13 13 13
The first four digits of Australian mobile numbers are allocated to specific carriers (for instance, 0400 and 0499 belong to Telstra, 0401 and 0411 are allotted to Optus, and 0404 and 0424 are Vodafone's), hence these can't be customised. However, for a supplementary fee, you can select easy-to-recall sequences for the remaining six digits.
Why Choose a Premium Number?
There are several reasons to opt for a premium number, especially if you're a business owner:
- It enhances your professional image.
- It can make your radio ads and jingles more catchy.
- It makes it easier for potential customers to remember your contact details.
You can also purchase custom phone numbers from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). These "smart numbers" are catchy 13, 1300, and 1800 numbers. You'll need to pay a one-time registration fee plus the cost of the number, which can range from as low as $250 to as much as $20,000, depending on how memorable the number is.
For personal use, a premium number is akin to having a personalised licence plate: it's fun but not essential. If you're a numerology enthusiast or have certain lucky numbers, you can request your preferred combination from a few providers.
Checking Availability of a Phone Number
Are you wondering whether a particular phone number is available? The best way to find out is to check with your provider. They can inform you about the available numbers and whether any of them match your preferred sequence. We recommend not dialling the number directly to check its availability.
With amaysim, you don't need to be on a big telco plan to get a premium number. Changing to a premium number on an amaysim plan will incur a $30 one-off charge, plus a 'change of number fee' of $20.
Keeping Your Custom Phone Number
Once you have your premium number, it's yours to keep. It's illegal for a telco to confiscate your number, so once you've claimed a premium or gold mobile number, you can keep it for life if you want. If you're switching providers, you can 'port' your number across. The new provider will handle the rest.
Changing Your Phone Number
Yes, you can change your phone number even if you're not looking for a premium number. The majority of telcos allow you to change your phone number. Some might charge a fee for this service, while others may waive it in specific situations, such as cases of identity theft or harassment.
Now that you know how to get a specific mobile phone number in Australia, you can personalise your contact details to suit your preferences. Whether it's for personal pleasure or professional benefit, having a unique number can make you stand out. Remember to check with your provider for details about fees and availability.