New numbers proposed across Australia

The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is preparing to introduce new number ranges in metropolitan and regional Australia.

The new numbers will supplement number ranges currently in use which are running out. They are being proposed for regional New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia as well as metropolitan Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

The introduction of the new number ranges involves amendments to the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 which have been developed by the ACA, in consultation with its Numbering Advisory Committee. The committee comprises representatives of telephone service providers, government and organisations representing consumer and user interests.

Acting ACA Chairman Dr Bob Horton has called for comment on the proposed changes. Dr Horton said the introduction of the new numbers raised a number of issues for both business and consumers.

“Introducing the new ranges may have implications for customer equipment and business telephone systems such as PABXs and key systems such as Commanders. These systems may need to be re-programmed to enable calls to be made to the new numbers,” he said.

“There may also be some confusion among consumers in using the new numbers. For example, those who are used to numbers in regional Victoria starting with (03) 5 could find themselves also finding new numbers starting with (03) 4. And they might assume this to be a printing error.”

Dr Horton said that because the amendments affected the numbers available for use across Australia, it was important for consumers to examine the proposed changes and to provide the ACA with any suggestions they may have.

The proposed amendments to the plan are available on the ACA website or by calling (03) 9963 6872.

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