Your business phone numbers are an asset \xE2\x80\x94 on cards, signs, and listings. The good news: you almost always keep them when switching to VoIP. Here's how porting works and where it goes wrong.
What Number Porting Is
Porting transfers your existing phone numbers from your current carrier to your new VoIP provider. Customers never know the difference \xE2\x80\x94 the numbers just keep ringing, now on the new system.
The Process
- Provide the new provider a recent bill and a Letter of Authorization.
- The new provider submits the port request to the current carrier.
- A port date is scheduled (often 1\xE2\x80\x934 weeks depending on number type).
- On the port date, numbers cut over to the new system.
The #1 mistake: canceling your old service before the port completes. Canceling early can release the number and make it unrecoverable. Never cancel until the port is confirmed done.
Avoiding Delays
- Make sure the name and address on the port request exactly match the current carrier's records.
- Port all numbers in a group together to avoid splitting a billing account.
- Watch for contract or account-status holds that can block a port.
Plan the Cutover
Coordinate the port with your VoIP go-live so phones and routing are ready. See VoIP vs. traditional systems and our UCaaS options.
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