Number Porting
Transfer your existing phone numbers from another provider to VoiceCenter.
Number porting lets you transfer phone numbers you already own from your current provider to VoiceCenter. This means your customers and contacts can keep calling the same numbers while you benefit from VoiceCenter's features and routing capabilities.
What Is Number Porting?
Porting is the regulated process of moving a phone number from one telecom provider to another. The number itself does not change — only the carrier routing behind it. From your callers' perspective, nothing changes; the number works exactly the same.
The Porting Process
Check number portability
Not all numbers can be ported. Before starting, verify that your numbers are eligible for porting. Contact the provider or submit a portability check through VoiceCenter if available.
Numbers that typically can be ported:
- Standard local and national numbers
- Toll-free numbers
- Mobile numbers (in most countries)
Numbers that typically cannot be ported:
- Numbers tied to bundled services with early termination penalties
- Numbers in countries that do not support porting
- Emergency-only numbers
Gather required information
Prepare the following information about your current numbers:
Document Description LOA (Letter of Authorization) A signed letter authorizing the transfer of the number(s) Current carrier account number Your account number with the losing carrier Account holder name The name on the current carrier account (must match exactly) Service address The address on file with the current carrier Phone numbers The full list of numbers to port, in E.164 format PIN/Passcode Some carriers require an account PIN to release numbers Submit the porting request
Provide the LOA and supporting documents to VoiceCenter. Your provider will initiate the port with the losing carrier.
Wait for carrier processing
The losing carrier reviews the request. Processing times vary:
Type Typical Timeline Local numbers 5-15 business days Toll-free numbers 5-10 business days Mobile numbers 3-10 business days International ports 10-30 business days These timelines are estimates. Actual porting time depends on the losing carrier's responsiveness and any documentation issues. Your provider will keep you updated on progress.
Configure routing before the port date
Before the porting date, configure where calls to your ported numbers should go. Set up extensions, IVR menus, queues, or call flows in VoiceCenter so that calls are handled correctly from the moment the port completes.
Port completion
On the scheduled port date, the number transfers to VoiceCenter. Calls begin routing through VoiceCenter's infrastructure. There may be a brief transition window (usually minutes, rarely hours) during the switch.
LOA (Letter of Authorization)
The LOA is the most important document in the porting process. It is a signed authorization from the account holder giving permission to transfer the numbers.
Key requirements for a valid LOA:
- Must be signed by the authorized account holder
- Must list all numbers being ported
- Account holder name must match the current carrier's records exactly
- Must include the service address on file
- Must be dated within 30 days of submission
An incorrect or incomplete LOA is the most common reason for porting delays and rejections. Double-check that the account holder name and service address match your current carrier's records exactly, including spelling and formatting.
Common Porting Issues
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Name mismatch | The account holder name on the LOA must match the losing carrier's records exactly |
| Address mismatch | Use the exact service address your current carrier has on file |
| Missing PIN | Contact your current carrier to get or reset your account PIN |
| Number not eligible | Some numbers are tied to contracts or services that prevent porting. Resolve with your current carrier first |
| Partial port | If porting only some numbers from an account, specify which ones clearly on the LOA |
After Porting
Once your numbers are ported:
- They appear in My Numbers with an active status
- Routing you configured pre-port is immediately active
- Your old carrier account for those numbers is closed or adjusted
- Billing for the numbers starts with VoiceCenter
Test your ported numbers immediately after the port completes. Call each number from an external phone and verify the routing works as expected.