Understanding Your 1300/1800 Number Costs: Breaking Down Call Fees
- Master Admin
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
When running a business, having a 1300 or 1800 number is often a smart move. It creates a professional image, makes it easier for customers to connect with you, and helps you manage calls more efficiently. But while the benefits are clear, understanding how the costs are structured can sometimes feel confusing. Let’s break down the main components of your monthly charges — and highlight the part that often matters most: call fees.
1. Number Hosting & Line Rental – $50 per month
Every 1300/1800 number needs to be hosted and maintained on a telecommunications network. This fee covers:
The ongoing service charge to keep your number active
Line rental for the connection
Access to technical support and system maintenance
Think of this as the base cost of keeping your number running and available for customers.
2. IVR Configuration & Management – $25 per month
If you use an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system (for example, “Press 1 for Sales, Press 2 for Support”), there’s an additional monthly fee. This covers:
The ongoing service charge for your IVR
Call routing and menu prompt configuration
Ongoing maintenance, with one included change per month included (excluding new audio recordings)
This ensures that calls are directed to the right people quickly, helping improve customer experience and efficiency.
3. Call Usage Fees (Per-Minute Rate) – $0.45 per minute
Finally: call usage.
Calls are charged from the moment they connect until the moment they end.
The rate is $0.45 per minute, whether the call comes from a landline or mobile.
This fee covers the carrier costs, voice transmission, and the system resources needed to process each call.
Why Call Fees Matter Most
While line rental and IVR costs are fixed, call fees vary based on usage.
Sample Monthly Cost Calculator
Here’s how your monthly bill could look depending on call usage:
Minutes of Calls | Hosting Fee | IVR Fee | Call Usage ($0.45/min) | Total Monthly Cost |
20 mins | $50 | $25 | $9 | $84 |
50 mins | $50 | $25 | $22.5 | $97.5 |
100 mins | $50 | $25 | $45 | $120 |
250 mins | $50 | $25 | $112.50 | $187.50 |
Final Thoughts
When budgeting for a 1300/1800 number, remember:
Hosting and IVR fees are predictable and easy to plan for.
Call usage fees scale with your business the more calls you receive, the higher the charges.
By keeping an eye on your call volume and understanding how usage translates into costs, you can manage your budget effectively and ensure your phone system supports your business growth without unwanted surprises.
Really clear breakdown on 1300 and 1800 number costs, cheers for putting it together. It’s easy for businesses to overlook the little fees that add up over time. A mate of mine runs a Freight Forwarder company and he always keeps an eye on call charges since most of his clients reach out by phone. Having a simple guide like this makes it much easier to budget properly. Definitely a handy read for small and medium businesses across Australia.