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PingMate vs a regular virtual number
A regular Australian virtual mobile number costs less than PingMate, from about $9 a month, and it does one job well: it gives your business a separate number that forwards to your phone. PingMate does that too, for $39.90 a month, and then handles the calls you cannot answer. It takes a voicemail, sends you a summary and texts the caller back. If you rarely miss a call, a basic number may be all you need.
| Feature | Your personal mobile | A basic virtual number | PingMate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keeps your personal number private | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rings the mobile you already carry | Yes | Varies | Yes |
| Texts back callers you miss | No | No | Yes |
| Voicemail turned into a text summary | No | Varies | Yes |
| Replies to customer texts with AI or a saved message | No | No | Yes |
| Separate after-hours greeting | No | Varies | Yes |
| Outbound calls from the business number | Yes | Varies | Not yet |
| Typical cost | Your phone plan | From about $9 a month | $39.90 a month |
When a basic virtual number is enough
- You answer nearly every call as it comes in.
- You only want a second number to keep your personal one private.
- Callers who reach your voicemail reliably leave a message, and you call them back the same day.
When PingMate is worth the difference
- You are often on a job, driving or with a client when the phone rings.
- Callers hang up at voicemail and you never find out who they were.
- You get calls after hours and want callers to hear back before they try someone else.
- You want texts from customers answered straight away, with AI or your own wording.
Moving from a virtual number
PingMate gives you a new Australian 04 number. Update it on your listings, website and signage as you go, and keep your old number until the calls to it dry up.
What it does not do
- PingMate costs more than a basic virtual number. You are paying for what happens when you miss a call.
- PingMate cannot port in your existing virtual number.
- Outbound calls. PingMate handles calls and texts coming in to your business number.
Common questions
What phone number do I receive?
You receive a new, dedicated Australian mobile number, generally beginning with 04 and subject to availability. Customers can call or text it like a normal mobile number. PingMate does not currently port your existing number.
What happens when I cannot answer a call?
PingMate plays your voicemail greeting and records the caller. When they leave a message, PingMate transcribes it and sends a summary to your mobile. You can also choose whether PingMate texts the caller automatically.
How much does PingMate cost?
PingMate costs $39.90 per month. The plan includes your dedicated Australian mobile number and 100 message credits each month. Additional message credits cost 5c each.
Can I cancel, and is there a money-back guarantee?
You can cancel from your account without a long-term contract. Your service remains available until the end of the current billing period. If PingMate is not right for your business, ask us within 30 days of your first payment and we will refund that first payment.
Put a number on your listing that replies when you cannot
Get a dedicated Australian 04 number. Calls ring your mobile first, and the callers you miss get a clear next step by text.
30-day money-back guarantee · Australian mobile number included · Cancel anytime