13 Numbers Explained

The number format for 13 numbers is only 6 characters long as opposed to a 1300 number which is 10 characters long. Because there are fewer characters in this kind of number, there are fewer combinations which can be derived. A variation on the regular 13 number is one that spells out a word. These are called smart numbers, which have an extra number at the end. Rather than a regular 6 character 13 number, smart numbers have 7 characters in total. Telco companies, however, have solved this by allowing the excess character to be ignored when dialed. This gives much greater flexibility with word choices.


A number like this will cost more

With an obviously shorter (and much easier to remember) number, 13 numbers are more expensive than 1300 and 1800 numbers. There is an additional government surcharge of $8110 per annum (if paid in advance) or $850 per month (which includes the administration fee when paid in monthly installments with a minimum 12 months contract). This surcharge is on top of the normal carrier charges that you'll be paying like the monthly plan fee and call charges.


What do I do if the smart number I want is taken?

For the most part, all the good generic 13 phone words have been taken. If the number you want has been purchased by a company that wants to use the name itself, these are the alternatives that are left open to you. One option is to approach the company and ask them to lease the number for your use. This is possible, especially when they're only using the number in a small area away from you. For example, the company is only servicing customers in NSW and you happen to be based in Victoria.


If a number you want has been taken by a phone word company, you may have to lease it from them. This involves signing a 1 to 3 year contract, with price increases each year. At the end of the contract period, you will have to renegotiate new terms. However, if these terms are not to your liking or you have a falling out with the service provider, they could lease your previous number to a competitor.
If you want to avoid having this problem when looking for 13 numbers, be creative and come up with a word that's unique and relative to your business.