I’m getting calls from numbers beginning with 09, what are they?
A new range of service numbers have been introduced for calls and text messages coming from a device rather than a person. Find out what these numbers look like, why they’ve been introduced and how they are used.
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Understanding the new 09 numbers
What’s changing and what it means for me?
From 23 June 2026, you may start to receive calls or text messages from fixed line numbers that begin with 09. If this looks unfamiliar, you’re not alone. These numbers are new, and they’ve been introduced for a specific purpose: Internet of Things (IoT).
IoT devices include things that have been set up to send you an alert such as medical alarms, doorbells and security alarms. Check What are IoT devices? to learn more.
As more connected devices come online, seeing new types of numbers will become more common. Understanding what they’re used for can help you stay informed and stay safe.
Why are these new 09 numbers being introduced?
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) updated the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 2025 to better reflect how modern devices connect to mobile networks. The new 09 range helps by:
- Clearly separating IoT devices from other services including personal mobile phones (e.g. smartphones), mobile broadband (e.g. tablets, dongles, laptops) or companion devices (e.g. smartwatches)
- Reducing confusion about when a call may be coming from a device, rather than a person
- Supporting the rapid growth of connected IoT devices, such as alarms, sensors and tracking equipment
- Ensuring that 04 numbers are available for new mobile users long-term, as the market for IoT devices grows.
In simple terms, this change makes Australia’s phone number system more future-ready and easier to understand.
What are the new number ranges?
These numbers are still standard Australian fixed line numbers (10 digits long) but they’re not intended to be used by people as personal numbers. These numbers are available to Telstra as well as other service providers and should only be used for IoT devices.
The initial range of the new numbers will be from 0900 000 000 to 0949 999 999. You can check the number range allocation on Australia Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA).
Frequently asked questions
IoT, or Internet of Things, devices are everyday devices that connect to the internet or mobile network to send and receive data, often without anyone actively using them. In some cases, these devices may make calls or send SMS messages to specified numbers. Common examples of these include:
- Medical alert and personal safety devices – you or a family member may use these devices which are programmed to either make a call or send an SMS if an event such as a fall is detected or if an SOS button is pressed.
- Home and business security systems – you may receive a call or SMS from gate intercoms.
- There are many other types of devices that will be using 09 numbers in the future such as cars, energy meters, point of sale devices and many others. These devices usually work quietly in the background, sharing information automatically to help keep people safe, informed or connected. In many cases, the 09 numbers won’t be visible.
A call or SMS from a 09 number isn’t always spam or a scam, but you should be cautious with unknown numbers. These numbers usually belong to IoT devices, not people. For example, a 09 number may be used to:
- Send a security alert
- Notify you of a device status or fault
- Trigger an automatic safety or monitoring message.
Because these numbers are new, some people may not recognise them straight away.
If you use a service that relies on a connected device, such as a medical alert system, vehicle monitoring service or building security system, ask the provider:
- What number range the device uses
- Whether calls or text messages may come from a 09 number.
Once you know the number, save it in your contacts with a clear name, for example “Mum’s medical alert” or “Car monitoring service”. This makes it easier to recognise in the future.
If you’re unsure:
- Check whether you own or use a smart device linked to the message
- Look at the content — device messages are usually short and factual
- Remember that legitimate IoT devices usually contact you for a specific reason (such as an alert), not with general marketing messages.
- Don’t click links or return calls unless you’re confident the message is genuine.
- Check directly with the organisation that might be contacting you, using a trusted number from their website or paperwork.
If you suspect someone is trying to scam you, report a scam and we can investigate the matter. You can also report scams to SCAMwatch.
For more information about phone numbers in Australia, you can visit Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
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