The Australian telecommunications market is constantly growing and there are frequent changes in participating companies. Take some time to research before choosing your provider as there isn't an early termination option.
Most phone companies will offer local, long distance and international calls. Some may require a connection fee. Be also aware that not all telephone companies may service all areas.
You have various ways of getting a new telephone line in Australia. You can do it by phone, by visiting the provider's retail store and also by filling out a form directly into the provider's website. To get a land line in Australia you must fill an application and present:
- ID or driving license (proof that you are at least 18 years old)
- your home address
- a contact email address and phone number
To get your phone line connected you may have to wait for about two to twenty working days. This depends on the density of population of the area you live in or if there was a previous line. In some cases, the company will offer you an alternative for the time being: an interim service. This is a voice telephone service that does not include all the features of the one you chose.
Telephone bills
Australian telephone companies offer two kinds of billing: you can receive small frequent bills or larger ones at longer intervals. You must contact your telephone company to request the system you prefer.
The telephone bills will always include call dates, numbers, duration of the calls, and the applicable charge.
Australian telephone providers will charge you for all the calls successfully connected - that means they will charge you when you connect (even if you do not notice) to:
- answering machines
- fax machines
- data modems
- call diversion machines
- voice response systems
- recorded information services
- internet service providers Telephone companies may also charge you for calls made prior to the period the bill covers. This is due to delays, and is known as “backbilling”.
You may also receive telephone bills from other telephone companies. That happens because the company carrying certain calls charges you (e.g. 190 services are billed by Telstra). Dont´t worry, you can avoid it by requesting barring from certain services.
You can pay your Australian telephone bill by direct debit, online, phone, post, fax, etc. If you are not able to pay it on the due date, contact your telephone company and make necessary arrangements.