M2002-06 Access to 13/1300 and 1800 Telephone Numbers

For reasons related to the locations of telephone exchanges and the way telephone area codes are allocated, not all NSW residents have an 02 telephone area code.

Many State Government agencies provide 13/1300 and 1800 telephone numbers to enable access to information and services by those people living in rural and remote areas. It is a concern to ensure 13/1300 and 1800 phone numbers which provide statewide services are accessible by all people in the whole geographical area of NSW regardless of where they live or their telephone code.

Particular concern has been raised about access to one-off “phone in services” which uses a Freecall 1800 telephone number.

All agencies are requested to check the access coverage of 13/1300 and 1800 telephone numbers that they are using to ensure that the appropriate 03, 07 and 08 area codes are included, so that people living in border areas are not disadvantaged.

At the request of the Office of Information Technology (OIT), telecommunication service providers have service managers and account management teams to assist government agencies address their telecommunication issues. Identification and access to your appropriate service provider's Government Account Manager can be gained through the OIT website, www.oit.nsw.gov.au (click on Telecommunications then Service Agreements). Agencies experiencing difficulties should contact OIT for assistance. Contact details are provided at the bottom of the Service Agreement webpage.

All Chief Executive Officers are reminded that all statewide programs undertaken by their agencies must ensure complete NSW geographical coverage for all 13/1300 local call rate and 1800 Freecall telephone numbers.

C Gellatly
Director General

Issued: Office of Regional Communities 
Contact: Fran Schonberg 
Email: [email protected]
Telephone no: 6393 0001 
File no: ORC/1046
Date: 06 May 2002