Such numbers are always in high demand from businesses. Competition for popular numbers that were easy for customers to remember led originally to the process of fortnightly auctions, with bids placed through the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Commonwealth Government body responsible for regulating the Smart Number scheme.

But this system will now be replaced, and the way Smart Numbers are both bought and operated will change. From August 1, a new website will be used to allocate Smart Numbers, and auctioning will be replaced by an over-the-counter option for immediate sale. All data on the current Smart Numbers website will be migrated to the new site.

Smart Number Rights of Use (ROU)

Because phone numbers are a national resource, you cannot own a Smart Number. Instead, you are granted the enhanced right to use it, known as a Rights of Use (ROU), which allows you to sell or lease the number.

To keep your ROU, you must activate the number within three years of paying the winning bid. If the number is deactivated at any stage, ROU can be maintained as long as the number is activated again within three years.

Until now, holders have been granted an ROU pin, a 10-digit code allowing online access to view and change Smart Number details.

Under the streamlined scheme, ROU pins will no longer be required. Registered users will keep their existing user names, but will have their passwords reset from August 1.

Keep your 1300 or 1800 number smart with specialist help

It’s essential for businesses with existing Smart Numbers to be prepared for the new system, to ensure minimal disruption to services. You also need to be aware of the changes if you are looking to purchase a Smart Number for your business.

If you need a Smart Number, or you have one and want help to negotiate the changes, eVoice can take care of the entire process for you. And as well as assisting with Smart Numbers, we also offer a variety of business phone solutions that can be tailored to your requirements.