Manage 1800 Numbers via API: Routing, CDRs and Service Management
Programmatically Manage Your 1800 Number Configuration with the Simple Telecom API
Key 1800 Number API Features
- List all 1800 services on your account with status and service ID
- Retrieve call detail records for any 1800 number
- Manage call routing and forwarding for 1800 services
- Enable or disable call recording on 1800 numbers
- Integrate 1800 number data with CRM and analytics systems
Managing 1800 Numbers with the Simple Telecom API
1800 numbers are Australia’s toll-free numbers — callers pay nothing, and your business covers the full cost of the call. For businesses that prioritise customer accessibility, 1800 numbers are essential. The Simple Telecom API gives you programmatic control over your 1800 numbers, enabling you to manage routing, monitor call volumes, track costs, and integrate call data with your business systems.
Just like with 1300 numbers, the API covers the full lifecycle of 1800 number management. The Services API lists all your 1800 services. The CDR API retrieves call records — essential for monitoring costs since you pay for every call. The Routing API manages where calls are forwarded, with configurable ring durations and sequences.
For Australian businesses that offer toll-free calling, the API is particularly valuable for cost management. By automating CDR retrieval and integrating with analytics, you can track 1800 call costs in real-time, identify unusual patterns, and optimise your routing to minimise expenses while maintaining excellent customer service.
Finding and Listing Your 1800 Numbers
The Services API (GET /api/services) returns a list of all active services on your account, including your 1800 numbers. Each entry includes the service_id, service_number, service_type (which will be ‘1800’ for your toll-free numbers), and status. Use this endpoint to discover all your 1800 numbers programmatically.
This is especially useful if you manage multiple 1800 numbers for different purposes — customer support, sales enquiries, or dedicated lines for specific campaigns. Rather than maintaining a manual list, you can rely on the Services API to always return an accurate, up-to-date view of your services.
The API supports pagination with page and page_size parameters (max 100 records per page), and results can be sorted by service number. The response includes a meta object with total records, so you know how many services you’re managing.
Retrieving Call Data for 1800 Numbers
The CDR API (GET /api/cdrs) lets you retrieve call detail records for your 1800 numbers. Each record includes the call’s start and end time, duration, the caller’s number, the destination, and the cost in AUD. Since you pay for every call to your 1800 number, this data is crucial for cost tracking and budget management.
Use the CDR API to monitor your 1800 call costs in near-real-time — records are available within 1–2 minutes of a call completing. Filter by date range to track costs daily, weekly, or monthly. Use pagination to handle high volumes of records. The cost data is returned with 4 decimal places for precision, ensuring accurate financial tracking.
For businesses with premium 1800 numbers or high call volumes, automated CDR retrieval is essential for cost control. Set up a daily script that queries the CDR API for each 1800 number, calculates total costs, and alerts you if costs exceed a threshold. This proactive approach prevents bill shock and helps you manage your telecommunications budget effectively.
Managing 1800 Number Routing
Like 1300 numbers, 1800 numbers support full routing management via the API. Use GET /api/services/{service_id}/routing to view current routing, POST to add forwarding numbers, PUT to update them, and DELETE to remove them. You can also toggle call recording with the PUT /api/services/{service_id}/routing/recording endpoint.
For 1800 numbers, effective routing is particularly important because every unanswered call represents wasted spend. Use sequential routing to ensure calls try multiple destinations before going to voicemail or disconnecting. For example: ring the support desk for 20 seconds, then a mobile backup for 30 seconds, then a second mobile for 60 seconds, and finally voicemail. This minimises the chance of a toll-free call going unanswered.
You can also use time-based routing strategies for 1800 numbers. Route calls to staff during business hours and to a central voicemail or answering service after hours. Since the caller pays nothing, they’re more likely to call a 1800 number after hours — having a clear routing strategy ensures they still get a good experience.
Automating 1800 Number Management
Automation is particularly valuable for 1800 number management due to the cost implications. Here are practical automation scenarios:
Cost Monitoring: Set up a scheduled script that queries the CDR API for each 1800 number daily, calculates total call costs, and alerts you if costs exceed normal ranges. This helps you catch unusual call patterns early — potential fraud, a runaway radio campaign, or a pricing error.
Campaign Performance: If you use unique 1800 numbers for different marketing campaigns, automate the performance reporting. Query the CDR API for each campaign number, calculate call volume and cost, and generate a weekly report comparing campaign performance.
Routing Optimisation: Use CDR data to monitor call answer rates. If a particular 1800 number has a low answer rate, your routing sequence may need adjustment. Automate the analysis: query CDR data for unanswered calls, identify patterns, and suggest routing improvements.
Getting Started with 1800 Number API Management
Getting started is straightforward. Ensure you have an active Simple Telecom account with 1800 numbers. Generate an API token from the console (Settings → API Access → Generate API Token). The token format is st_... and must be included in the Authorization header of every request.
Test your access by calling the Services API to list your 1800 numbers. Then query the CDR API for recent call data — this confirms you can retrieve cost data. Finally, use the Routing API to view your current routing configuration. Full documentation with code examples is available at api.simpletelecom.com.au.
For additional help, contact api-support@simpletelecom.com.au. API access is included with your Simple Telecom service at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Managing 1800 Numbers via API
Why would I manage 1800 numbers via API instead of the console?
The API enables automation — scheduled routing changes, automated cost monitoring, CRM integration, and campaign performance reporting. For businesses with multiple 1800 numbers, this saves significant time and reduces errors.
Can I monitor 1800 call costs in real-time?
CDR records are available within 1–2 minutes of a call completing, giving you near-real-time cost visibility. Query the API frequently to stay on top of costs.
Is API access included with my 1800 number plan?
Yes. API access is included with your Simple Telecom service at no additional cost. There are no API usage fees or tiered pricing.
Can I have different routing for different 1800 numbers?
Yes, each 1800 number has its own routing configuration. You can manage each independently via the API — different forwarding numbers, ring durations, and recording settings per number.
How do I find the service ID for my 1800 number?
Use the Services API (GET /api/services) to list all your services. Look for entries with service_type: '1800'. The service_id field is what you need for routing management.
Managing your 1800 number through our API gives you complete control over routing, call data records, and service operations—essential for businesses wanting a seamless national presence. Whether you’re expanding across Australia or need to understand what is a 1300 number compared to 1800 options, our flexible API integrations work alongside affordable pricing. Check out our 1300 number area code options and compare how much does 1300 number cost to find the right fit. Plus, if you’re managing calls from overseas, learn how to call Australian 1800 number from us to ensure your team stays connected globally.