Calling 1800 or 13/1300 numbers from mobile phones will be free or the cost of a local call under changes revealed by the communications regulator today.

Telcos have been charging $1 a minute or more when users call the so-called "freephone" and local rate numbers from their mobiles, and often exclude such numbers from the quotas provided on their cap plans.

Consumer groups campaigned on this issue using the "number woman" mascot.

Suicide prevention and crisis support lines for children, such as Lifeline and Kids Helpline, had complained that the high costs were putting lives in danger as a large and increasing portion of their callers are on mobiles. They said the exorbitant fees were discouraging and preventing people from seeking help.

The charges also affect calls to banks, taxi booking services, Centrelink and other essential services surrounding suicide, mental health and financial distress. Many people, particularly in low-income groups, are forced to use their mobiles as they often don't have landlines.