Do I need to call Telstra to install a new office phone line connection?

NO! At OHMI we handle all this for you in a friendly professional manner, organizing your connection and ensuring all the details are covered so you get what you need for your business.

There are a few basic principles involved and steps you should follow.

The majority of small businesses in Australia still use the PSTN business phone lines. Why? Simple, because it is a proven, reliable, and cost effective means of communicating to customers, clients, suppliers and staff.

So what information do you need and how long it takes to get new office phone lines installed?

For installation of new lines there are 3 levels of charges within Australia;

In-Place: An in Place Line is an existing but disconnected phone line that just requires reactivating at the exchange. This is the cheapest connection type and does not require a technician to visit your premises.

In-Place requiring a Technician Visit: This means Telstra reactivate the line at the exchange but for some reason the service requires a site visit.

New Installation: This is where there is no previous connection at the premises, i.e. it is a new building. This will require a technician to attend the premises.

Connection time frames vary for Office Phone Lines. In Place lines will usually between 3-5 business days unless a technician visit is required in which case this may take up to 10 business days. A new Business Phone Line will typically take 3-10 working days in Metro areas. For new Business Telephone Lines in Regional areas usual add 1-2 days on these times and remote can add another 5-10 working days. Costs to install PTSN Business Phone lines are between $90 & $400 per line. If you wish to agree to a contract term with OHMI your office phone connection may be reduced or waived.

There is no cost involved in switching providers if you currently have an existing service with another provider.

An alternative to PSTN services are digital lines. OHMI currently provide these through two separate network carriers;

ISDN: Carried on the Telstra Network

Multiline: Carried on the Optus network

ISDN is provided in ISDN 2, 10, 20 or 30 line services. Multiline is provided in 10, 20 or 30 line services.

ISDN & Multiline services are digital lines, that when combined with a business PABX Phone system, provide greater functionality. Digital Phone lines also provide better voice quality than PSTN.

ISDN 2 normally takes 15 working days to install. Cost to install ISDN 2 is between $300 & $360 per ISDN 2 service.

ISDN or Multiline 10/20/30 is the larger Primary rate digital service that allows for 10, 20, or 30 Business Phone lines at a time. Larger companies that require 10 or more simultaneous calls taking place usually use ISDN 10/20/30 Phone lines.

Installation of ISDN or Multiline10/20/30 telephone lines can take 30-90 days with Optus or Telstra, as there is a comprehensive amount of work required to install these Business Phone Services.

Installation charges do vary depending on whether you are connecting a 10, 20 or 30 line service, whether you wish to have a 12, 24 or 36 month contract term, and whether you will require other phone systems or equipment to be installed within your premises.