Looking to add a little character to your mobile number? If you're with an eligible mobile provider, you can request the number you want. Switching to a 'premium' mobile number can get you 10 digits that are easier to remember. The only downside? It isn't free.
You can choose and buy phone numbers in Australia with Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and amaysim. Businesses can get a custom phone number through ACMA.
Most people want to choose something called a 'premium number'.
A premium number is a mobile number that includes memorable or auspicious combinations of numbers, such as 0422 222 222. The rarest of these numbers are known as 'golden' or 'gold' numbers, with more commonplace variations called 'silver' or 'bronze'.
Would you pay extra for the "perfect" phone number?
Choosing your phone number with Optus
The telco is a little secretive about pricing, but Optus does allow customers to request and buy premium numbers.
Once referred to as 'Optus gold numbers', you can choose the next available number, a specific pattern, or something easy for you to remember. The exact charges depend on which type of change you're requesting. You can acquire one by contacting Optus support.
Optus doesn't list the exact number of configurations available to customers, but will charge a flat administration fee of $132 for any golden number change. Check out these plans from Optus:
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$69.00/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$70.00/mth
Min. cost $70
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$90.00/mth
Min. cost $90
|
Choosing your phone number with Vodafone
Vodafone customers also have the option of upgrading to a hard-to-find, but easy-to-recall, number. The telco divides its premium numbers into silver and gold options: gold numbers are priced at $275 while silver numbers are available for $55 upfront. While silver numbers are available to all Vodafone customers, the Gold numbers are only available to those on postpaid plans.
Vodafone also charges a one-off $19.95 fee to change your mobile number. This is in addition to the above cost for the gold or silver number itself. If you'd like to request a gold or silver number, you can call 1555 from your Vodafone device or 1300 650 410 from any phone.
| Type of pattern | Gold ($275) | Silver ($55) |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat of same number | Five of same e.g. 04XX X99 999 Four of same e.g. 04XX XX9 999 |
Four of the same in the middle e.g. 04XX X99 99X |
| Numbers in sequence | Three double-digit numbers sequence e.g. 04XX 414 243 Single, double then triple sequence e.g. 04XX 455 666 |
N/A |
| Triplet numbers | Two identical triplets e.g. 04XX 340 340 Double triplets e.g. 04XX 555 777 |
Triplet at the beginning or the end of the number e.g. 04XX XXX 666 Last five digits are a triplet and a pair e.g. 04XX X22 555 Centre digits are a triplet and a pair e.g. 04XX 222 66X |
| Number pairs | Three identical pairs e.g. 04XX 13 13 13 Three non-identical pairs e.g. 04XX 11 44 77 |
Two pairs at start or end of number e.g. 04XX XX4 488 |
If you're keen to pick up an 0404 mobile number in Australia, you'll want to check out these plans from Vodafone:
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#1
|
Vodafone
$58 Small SIM Only Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium SIM Only Plan
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
|
|
#3
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Vodafone
$78 Large SIM Only Plan
$55.00/mth
Min. cost $55
|
Choosing your phone number with amaysim
You don't need to be on a big telco plan to score a premium number. amaysim, which offers coverage on the Optus network, also allows customers to change to premium phone numbers where available (and for a comparatively affordable price).
Changing to a premium number on an amaysim plan will incur a $30 one-off charge, plus a 'change of number' fee of $20. If you're interested in switching numbers on amaysim, you can request a premium number by contacting the company's customer service team via Live Chat or email. Check out these plans from amaysim:
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#1
|
amaysim
7-day UNLIMITED 10GB Plan
$10.00
Per 7 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
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amaysim
UNLIMITED 15GB Plan
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 42GB Plan
$35.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 80GB Plan
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 95GB Plan
$45.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 120GB Plan
$50.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 150GB Long Expiry
$150.00
Per 184 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 240GB Long Expiry
$199.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 200GB Long Expiry
$270.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 350GB Long Expiry
$350.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Choosing your phone number with Telstra
Telstra no longer offers premium numbers for its mobile plans, so you're effectively stuck with what you're given.
The same isn't true for landline phone numbers, however. If you're a Telstra customer, you can expect to pay up to $400 upfront to change your digits. Telstra offers gold, silver, and bronze numbers, with prices depending on the exact combination of numbers you're after.
You may also need to pay a number change fee, in addition to your premium number costs, if you're not upgrading plans at the same time.
Telstra is no longer advertising bronze numbers on their site, but if the 0400 mobile number you want is still available you might be able to get it by asking.
| Type of pattern | Gold ($400) | Silver ($200) | Bronze (not listed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repeat of same number | Six of same e.g. 999 999 |
Five of same e.g. X99 999 |
N/A |
| Numbers in sequence | Six in sequence e.g. 234 567 |
Five in sequence e.g. X23 456 |
Four in sequence e.g. XX4 567 |
| Triplet numbers | Two identical triplets e.g. 340 340 Double triplets e.g. 555 777 |
Identical pairs within triplets e.g. 004 005 One triplet identical, one in sequence e.g. 123 555 Mirrored triplets e.g. 340 043 |
One identical triplet e.g. 555 XXX |
| Number pairs | Three identical pairs e.g. 13 13 13 |
Three non-identical pairs e.g. 11 44 77 Three pairs in sequence e.g. 12 13 14 |
Two identical pairs e.g. 13 13 XX |
Check out these plans from Telstra:
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#1
|
Telstra
$15 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit
$15.00
Starter Pack
7 Day Expiry
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$54 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit
$40.00
Starter Pack
28 Day Expiry
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$44 Pre-Paid Mobile
$44.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
$44 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit
$44.00
Starter Pack
28 Day Expiry
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Telstra
$54 Pre-Paid Mobile
$54.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Telstra
$64 Pre-Paid Mobile
$64.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Telstra
$64 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit
$64.00
Starter Pack
28 Day Expiry
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Telstra
$74 Pre-Paid Mobile
$74.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
Telstra
$74 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit
$74.00
Starter Pack
28 Day Expiry
Link not supplied
|
How can I check if a custom phone number is available?
The best option is to check with your provider to see if the number you want is available. They will be able to let you know exactly what's on offer and if any match your dream number.
Can I change my custom phone number?
Yes, even if you're not looking for a premium number, the vast majority of telcos still allow you to change your phone number. Depending on the reason for wanting a number change and the number you want, you might not need to pay a fee.
Will I lose my custom number when I change providers?
Once you have your premium number, it's yours to keep. When you're moving to a new telco, you'll just need to elect to 'port' or 'transfer' your number as part of the signup process. The provider will take care of the rest.
Choosing your phone number with ACMA
Business owners can also purchase custom phone numbers from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
These 'smart numbers' are those catchy 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers. To get one of these, you need to pay a one-time registration charge, plus the cost of the number. Depending on how memorable the number is, the price can be as low as $250 all the way up to $20,000.
Choosing your own phone number FAQs
How long does it take to activate a chosen mobile phone number in Australia?
Just as with porting your number, it can take a little while to activate your new premium mobile number. It could
take up to four hours and is usually only done within certain business hours.
Double-check with your provider when you enquire if you have concerns.
Are there any restrictions on choosing my own mobile phone number in Australia?
Yes, there are restrictions on choosing your own number in Australia.
In some cases, a number may be 'quarantined'. A number is quarantined for six to twelve months after a service is disconnected – this allows the opportunity for the owner to reconnect to the same number. While in this state, it's not available to anyone, though can possibly be reclaimed by the previous holder. Once the six months is up, the number will be returned to whichever provider issued it, at which point it becomes available again.
Numbers that are suspended due to harassment can be held in quarantine for 12 months.
Is it safe to buy phone numbers on eBay?
There are several sellers on eBay that claim to offer premium Australian phone numbers. We wouldn't recommend purchasing one this way, as you don't know what is being offered.
In some cases, people who have secured 'lucky' or premium numbers are offering them at prices well over $1,000. Reading the product descriptions, the cheapest sellers charging between $5 and $10 are only offering to search for the 0400 number for you. They will then require you to spend an unadvertised amount (likely the amount the provider would charge or more) to purchase that 0400 mobile number from them.
Why is it called a Gold Number?
In Australia, custom and premium phone numbers are sometimes called Gold Numbers because they are rarer and more valuable than ordinary phone numbers. The exact definition of a gold number might vary from one provider to another, but typical examples include phone numbers with six repeated digits or a six numbers in a continuous sequence.
Can I get a custom phone number that doesn’t start with 0400, 0401, 0404 or 0424?
While paying for a custom, premium, gold, or silver mobile number does entitle you to a degree of customisation over your contact details, the first four digits are still going to be depend on which carrier you’re with.
If your coverage comes from Telstra or a Telstra MVNO, this means your phone number will start with either 0400 or 0499. Meanwhile, those who opt for Optus or another Optus network providers will see their preferred phone number preceded by either 0401 or 0411. Finally, those on the Vodafone network will no doubt notice than their phone number begins with either 0404 or 0424.
Dylan Crismale
Digital Content Editor
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