Phone Number Porting
What is phone number porting and how does it work? Learn how the phone number porting process and more.
What is phone number porting?
Phone number porting is where a number is transferred from one telecom provider to another.
How does number porting work?
The new carrier begins the process of porting the number by contacting the existing service provider. It is likely that your phone service provider will transfer your numbers quickly, but you should also be aware that the FCC has no rules regarding how long it can take to complete the process. In most cases, the process can be completed in under 30 days. If you are switching between services, don't cancel your old service until the numbers are fully operational.
The process is as follows:
Number porting process
A brief step by step guide to virtual number porting:
- The winning service provider notifies the existing service provider of the requested port.
- The existing provider is asked to validate the customer's information.
- The existing provider confirms the customer's information with the winning service provider. (Note: if the information is not submitted correctly this can delay the process.)
- The winning provider notifies the Number Portability Administrative Centre (NPAC) of the requested port.
- The NPAC creates a pending port and sends a notification to the existing service provider.
- The winning service provider notifies the NPAC to activate the port.
- The pending port is activated in the NPAC and instantly broadcast to the telecommunications industry network.
Although the porting process may appear simple there are often delays in the process due to incorrect information or individuals and associations creating bottlenecks.
Number porting documentation required
Once you are ready to start the number porting process, the next step is to get your number “released” from your existing provider. To do this, the following documentation is required:
- A completed Letter of Authorization (LOA) form obtained from your new provider
- Customer's main contact on the losing provider's account
- Customer's Account Number, the Losing Provider's details (Company Name and
- Provisioning Contact)
- The number being ported
- A copy of your latest invoice
How long does porting a number take?
Based on the country and number type, transfer times vary, but generally are as follows:
- US Toll Free Number: ~3 to 7 days
- International Toll Free Number: ~30 business days
- US Local Number: ~1 to 3 weeks
- International Local Number: ~7 to 14 business days
How much does number porting cost?
You may be charged a porting fee by some companies, but you can negotiate to try to waive any fees. If you request service with a new provider, the old provider cannot refuse your request regardless of whether you owe a balance or termination fee.
- Google Voice porting cost: $20 per number
- 8x8 porting cost: $5.00 per number, with a minimum cost of $50
- Ooma porting cost: $39.99 per number
- AVOXI porting cost: No charge
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