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How to Port Your Existing Number to VoIP in 4 Simple Steps
- The process involved in porting your VoIP number is not quite straightforward compared to transferring a regular cell phone number. Both sides of your parties, your old and new service providers want you to complete the authorization process before moving your business number completely.
Table Of Contents:
1. What is the process involved in number porting?
2. The time it takes to transfer your business number
3. How to port your number to a new VoIP provider
3.1 Inform the current provider you're switching the service
3.2 Keep all requirements ready before beginning the number porting
3.3 Request a porting request from the new vendor
3.4 Keep your current account active until the migration
4. Factors that slow down the number porting process
1. What is the process involved in number porting?
- Usually, the number you like to port is not directly owned by your service providers and it mostly belongs to local telecom operators. To ensure a smoother number porting process, both your losing and receiving providers authorize your porting request with their associated telecom carriers.
- Once your account details are accurate and verified, the telecom carrier of your current service provider will issue a certificate or documentation to the carrier of your new VoIP provider to finish the porting request. Then, you can start using VoIP service from your new provider without affecting business continuity.
2. The time it takes to transfer your number completely
- It takes 1 to 2 business days on average for your new provider to transfer the numbers completely. Mistakes in number porting requisites might slow down the number porting process. Customers are encouraged to avoid these common pitfalls to quickly port the number,
- (1) submit an accurate billing address to your new service provider, (2) continue the service with the old VoIP provider until the number porting is completed, (3) pay a number porting fee if any of your old or new VoIP providers requests, (4) sign a Letter of Authorization (LoA), and share a PIN number. By following the above steps the number of days it takes to port your number will be reduced significantly.
3. How to port your number to a new VoIP provider
- The number porting process can be time-consuming and complicated, but with some help, it can be done quickly and easily.
3.1 Inform the current provider you're switching the service
- The first step of this process is to contact your current phone company and request porting. You will need to provide the account number, account name, and PIN for your account.
- Once this request has been processed, you will receive an email from your current phone company with instructions on how to proceed with the porting.
- It’s worth noting that there are some restrictions when it comes to porting a landline number. For example, if you have caller ID or voice mail service through your landline provider, then these services won’t be available after the port has been completed.
3.2 Keep all requirements ready before beginning the number porting process
- These below requirements should be in place to make sure that VoIP service providers follow the regulations and provide their customers with a seamless experience when it comes to switching providers.
- Porting numbers: To begin the porting process, customers have to share the list of porting numbers with their new vendors that they like to move.
- Recent bill: Most receiving vendors or new service providers request a service bill from your previous service for proof of identity and to forward the information to their associated telecom partner.
- Billing address: Submit the accurate office or residential address to your new service provider, the address should be matched with the address that you submitted to your old provider. Any mistakes in address will delay the number porting process.
- PIN number: Mostly, service users have no awareness of the PIN number. You can find your PIN by contacting your current provider. It should be forwarded to your new vendor as it is necessary before kickstarting your porting process.
- Letter of Authorization: To stay compliant with the local regulations, your new VoIP service provider will request you to sign a letter of authorization to start using their business communication products.
3.3 Request a porting request from the new vendor
- Contact the new VoIP service provider and ask them if they are able to handle a porting request. If they are able, you will need to provide them with your account number, billing address, and PIN or sign a letter of authorization form.
- To know your PIN number, you can contact your current VoIP service provider and ask them for a porting authorization form and PIN, which you will then need to provide to the new VoIP service provider when you request the porting of your number.
3.4 Keep your current account active until the migration
- To avoid discontinuity of service, stay signed in to your old vendor until you are successfully onboarded to your new VoIP service provider. It ensures your customers can call your business number without interruption and service outages.
4. Factors that slow down the number porting process
- There are a number of factors that can delay the number porting process. The process of transferring phone numbers from one carrier to another is not an easy one.
- To begin with, there are different types of numbers. There are landline, mobile and VoIP numbers. landlines and mobile numbers can be transferred easily while VoIP numbers need special attention as they are different from the other two types.
- Outstanding bills, mistakes in billing address, PIN number, and failure to comply with the local telecom network regulations are the major reasons for delays in the number porting process. Also, your current provider doesn't want you to end up their service and make excuses to hinder the progress. Hence it's recommended for users to keep all documents and accounts details handy that are mentioned above.
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- If you're planning to switch from your current service provider, check our VoIP platform with 60+ call management features, unlimited calling, unlimited users, and VoIP numbers for 57+ countries. Start a free trial or contact us to get a product demo.