I agree Spirit, thats fine with them needing to be contacted prior to churning, I would have anyways, as its common courtesy to make contact before leaving any service.

I am simply not interested due to other reasons, such as taking two weeks to get back to me, among others.

Just looking at Better Telecom - it says (for 1300 numbers)
Local $0.08 per minute (first 20 minutes for free)
Long Distance $0.12 per minute

.. if I get a 1300 number to a fixed line answering point in Perth. Does that mean all incoming Perth local calls are 0.08/min, or is this relative to where the number is set up (or something?)

Caller in Perth 08 - Inbound pointing to Perth 08 = Local call (free mins included)
Mobile Caller in Perth 04 - Inbound pointing to Perth 08 = Mobile to Fixed (charge started on answer)
Caller in Brisbane 07 - inbound pointing to Perth 08 = Long Distance (charge started on answer)
Mobile Caller in Brisbane 04 - Inbound pointing to Perth = Mobile to Fixed (charge started on answer)
etc...

Ah yes, that makes sense. Thanks!

I have just signed up with Telcoworx today. Their prices seem to be very competitive - especially if you don't plan on receiving many calls.
I have found their support to be brilliant. The number was setup within an hour of me sending through my order - and then I had a couple of questions and they replied almost instantly.

Have a look at GoTalk's rates:

Set up: FREE
Monthly Access Fee: $15
Credit: Receive 5c for each call you receive.

Call rates: fixed line termination point – based on call origin
---
Local: Free for first 10 min, then 5c per min
National: Free for first 2 min, then 8c per min
Mobile: Free for first 2 min, then 8c per min

Call rates: VoIP termination point – based on call origin
---
Local: Free for first 10 min, then 2.5c per min
National: Free for first 2 min, then 4c per min
Mobile: Free for first 2 min, then 4c per min

Call rates: Mobile termination point
---
All calls: 33c per min

See GoTalk Website for details.

I have been using them for 12+ months and have been happy.

Hi Belose,

I found alltel to be pretty good. Changes to the call routing require a email or telephone call, however, they accept direct debit, and CCard payments, and seem reasonably priced.

Just thought I'd bring this up

looks like Telcoworx now charge a monthly service fee on their startup plan
even though on their website it still states

Guaranteed No 1300 Number Monthly Service Fee:
On our unique Start-Up Plan, you don't pay any monthly service fee - ever!

I liked it how they said ever... cos a few days ago I was reading their T&C and it was just free for the first year

Go with Beta Telecom, I'm with them - no dramas at all!

I've used these guys for years - http://www.dowroyle.net.au/

I've never had any dramas with them and they offer a number of plans, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Dow Royale are the same as Telcoworx - different name, different plans, even different company - but still the same people.

I thought their plans looked similar

only difference now is that Dow Royale still charge $0 monthly fee on 1300 numbers