broadconnectauthor2Can You Use a 1300 or 1800 Number as Caller ID for Outgoing Calls?
Can your business display its 1300 or 1800 number when calling customers? No, these numbers cannot be used for CLI overstamping in Australia.
Calling Line Identification (CLI) is the number displayed to someone receiving a call. CLI overstamping allows a business to display a different number from the number the call actually originates from. While this practice is permitted in Australia under certain conditions, 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers cannot be used for this purpose.
This does not stop your business from making outgoing calls or receiving calls through its 1300 or 1800 number. It means you need an appropriate alternative for outgoing caller ID.
What Is Caller ID and CLI Overstamping?
Caller ID, also known as Calling Line Identification (CLI), is the phone number displayed when someone receives a call. It helps customers identify who is contacting them. CLI overstamping is when a business displays a different number from the one the call actually originates from. This can help businesses show a recognised contact number when employees or call centres make outgoing calls.
For example, an employee may make a call through the company’s phone system while an approved business number appears on the customer’s phone instead of the employee’s direct line. However, businesses must follow Australian telecommunications rules when configuring outgoing caller ID.
Can You Use a 1300 or 1800 Number as Outgoing Caller ID?
No. Under ACMA guidance, 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers cannot be used for CLI overstamping in Australia.
These numbers are commonly used as national inbound business numbers, allowing customers to contact a business through a consistent phone number. Incoming calls can then be routed to different answering destinations.
However, businesses cannot use these numbers as an alternative displayed number through CLI overstamping. This restriction does not prevent businesses from making outgoing calls through their phone systems. For more details, read the official Australian caller ID rules.
What Number Can a Business Use for Outgoing Caller ID?
Businesses should speak with their telecommunications provider about using an appropriate geographic or mobile number for outgoing caller ID.
Common options include:
- Geographic numbers: Numbers beginning with 02, 03, 07 or 08.
- Australian mobile numbers: Numbers beginning with 04.
The number should be valid, allocated to the business and authorised for use as outgoing caller ID.
Before configuring your phone system, confirm with your provider that the selected number can be displayed for outgoing calls. Not every number can be configured on every phone system.
How Should Businesses Configure Their Outgoing Caller ID?
Businesses should work with their telecommunications provider to choose and configure an appropriate number for outgoing calls. A few practical steps can help ensure customers see the expected caller ID.
1. Choose the Number Customers Should See
Select a recognisable business number that customers can use to identify your organisation when receiving calls.
2. Check Your Phone System Configuration
Different users, extensions, mobile applications and call routes may require separate caller ID settings. Your provider can help confirm the correct configuration. Explore Broadconnect’s Business Phone Systems for business calling solutions.
3. Test Outgoing Calls
Make test calls to different mobile and landline networks to check which number appears. This helps identify any configuration issues before the setup is used for customer calls.
Can You Still Use a 1300 or 1800 Number for Incoming Calls?
Yes. Businesses can continue using 1300 and 1800 numbers to receive customer calls. The restriction on CLI overstamping only affects their use as displayed numbers for outgoing calls.
These numbers allow businesses to maintain a consistent national contact number while directing incoming calls to different destinations, such as:
- Office landlines.
- Employee mobile phones.
- VoIP phone systems.
- Different departments or answering locations.
This means businesses can keep their existing national contact number for incoming enquiries while using an appropriate geographic or mobile number for outgoing caller ID.
Learn more about Broadconnect’s Inbound Services or read our guide to 1300 vs 1800 Numbers in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use my 1300 number as caller ID when calling customers?
No. ACMA does not permit 13, 1300 or 1800 numbers to be used for CLI overstamping. Businesses should discuss an appropriate alternative outgoing caller ID with their telecommunications provider.
2. Can an 1800 number be displayed on outgoing calls?
No. An 1800 number cannot be used for CLI overstamping in Australia. It can still be used as an inbound number for customers to contact your business.
3. Does this rule stop my business from making outgoing calls?
No. Businesses can continue making outgoing calls through their phone systems. The restriction concerns displaying a 13, 1300 or 1800 number through CLI overstamping.
4. What does CLI overstamping mean?
CLI overstamping is when a caller displays a different number from the number the call originates from. It is permitted in Australia under certain conditions, but 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers cannot be used.
5. What number should my business use for outgoing caller ID?
Businesses should ask their telecommunications provider about using an appropriate geographic or mobile number that is allocated to them and authorised for outgoing caller ID.
6. Are 1300 and 1800 numbers still useful for businesses?
Yes. They remain useful for receiving customer calls, providing a national contact number and routing incoming calls to the right team or location.
Need Help Setting Up Your Business Phone Numbers?
A 1300 or 1800 number gives your business a consistent national contact number for incoming customer calls. However, outgoing caller ID is a separate consideration, and businesses need to follow Australian telecommunications rules.
The right phone system and number configuration can help your team manage incoming enquiries and outgoing customer calls more effectively.
Broadconnect provides business phone systems and inbound number solutions for Australian businesses, with flexible call management and local support.
Call: 1300 880 330
Email: hello@broadconnect.com.au
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