Telstra customers who call a 1800-number from their mobile and get stuck on hold needn't worry.
The calls are now free.
Telstra claimed on Thursday to be the first Australian telco to make the move across all its mobile plans.
It comes three months before the Australian Communications and Media Authority's proposed January 1 deadline for all telcos to do likewise.
Calls to 1800 numbers have traditionally been free from landlines but not mobiles, meaning customers stuck on hold could be slugged with large bills.
The move reflects changing phone use in the smartphone era, as the use of landlines dwindles.
It's a big win for the public, said advocacy group the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network.
Chief Teresa Corbin urged businesses to switch from 1300 numbers, which still incur a charge.
"Customers should be aware of the costs of calling 13/1300 numbers from mobile phones as these calls can quickly chew through pre-paid mobile plans," she said.
On some plans, the cost exceeds $1 per minute, she added.
On most plans this is deducted from a customer's call allowance.
