How Business Phone Number Porting Works
The significance of business phone numbers is paramount. They’re everywhere– your websites, social media, marketing materials, and even email signatures. Phone numbers serve as your customer service lifelines. In fact, customers state the phone is their preferred communication channel.
As a fundamental part of your business, you’d probably prefer to keep those long-term numbers as you seek better call rates and more proactive support. This is where phone number porting comes into play.
Below, we’re diving into the intricacies of how porting works, so you can seamlessly transfer and consolidate your phone numbers under the right voice partner.
How the Number Porting Process Works
Navigating the porting process can be quite tricky without support. However, if you switch to a provider with expert knowledge in global porting, the process is much more streamlined and efficient.
To ensure you feel confident with the number porting process, we’re guiding you through a step-by-step explanation of the porting procedure, uncovering how you can seamlessly transfer your business phone numbers.
Step 1: Request to port
You (the business) will request to port your existing phone numbers to your chosen provider and supply them with the required information.
Once the request has been initiated, your new voice provider will inform your current provider about the request to transfer the phone numbers.
Step 2: Customer information validation
Your current provider will then receive the porting request and proceed to validate your information.
Step 3: Customer information confirmation
The current provider confirms the information is correct with your new provider.
It’s important to note that incorrect information can lead to delays or rejection in the number porting process.
Step 4: In-country porting authority notification
In many countries, a porting authority is responsible for overseeing compliance and phone number transfers. At this step, your new voice provider notifies the in-country porting authority of your request to port.
Step 5: Pending port notification
The porting authority receives the request and creates a pending port request in their system. Then, they send a notification to the current provider confirming the receipt of the porting request and provide them with the necessary details.
Step 6: Port activation request
Once all the validations are complete, and the pending port request is in place, your new provider notifies the porting authority to proceed with the activation of the porting request. This step signals that the port is ready to be executed.
Step 7: Port activation complete
The porting authority activates the porting request, and the phone number is transferred from your current provider's service to your new voice provider's service. The porting process is complete.
The Value of an Experienced Phone Number Porting Team
From transfer issues to porting rejections and downtime– there are a lot of things that can go wrong when porting numbers without support.
Partnering with an experienced porting team will help you avoid those frustrating bottlenecks and instead, deliver a seamless experience through:
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In-depth knowledge of local regulations, industry best practices, and technical aspects of number porting.
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Minimizing errors and delays through clear and transparent documentation and phone number management.
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Established in-country carrier relationships for call rate savings and fast porting activation.
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Always-on customer support to keep you informed on number order status and documentation.
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Proactive voice solutions that minimize downtime and mitigate disruptions throughout the process.
Local vs. International Porting
You may require local number porting or international porting depending on your business’s objectives. Let’s take a look at both types below, what you may need, and how long each of their processes can take.
1. Local Number Porting
When it comes to local number porting, you can port domestic toll-free, mobile, and local DID phone numbers.
To initiate local ports, you’ll likely need to submit some documentation to ensure compliance, such as a Letter of Authorization (LOA) or Letter of Intent (LOI) and proof of number ownership.
Local number porting can take 3-6 weeks to complete.
2. International Number Porting
You can internationally port ITFS, UIFNs, and non-geographic phone numbers.
To facilitate this process, you’ll likely need to submit some documentation as required by in-country regulators. This can include an LOA or LOI, country ID and/or passport, company registration, proof of ownership, and more.
International number porting can take 6 weeks to complete.
Commonly Asked Number Porting Process Questions
It’s important to ensure a smooth porting process for your business phone numbers. Below, we’re answering common questions about number porting to help guide you through the process.
The duration of the number porting process may vary depending on the country, the accuracy of information submitted, the expertise and knowledge of carriers involved, and the complexity of the request.
Local number porting is generally a faster process that takes about 3 weeks (15 business days). International ports are typically activated 6 weeks (30 business days) from the initiated request.
Porting Business Phone Numbers Can Be a Smooth Process with the Right Provider
Navigating the number porting process is a challenging endeavor without a knowledgeable porting partner at your side.
With their in-depth knowledge and in-country expertise– they can make all the difference by streamlining the number porting process and mitigating issues to ensure a smooth transfer of your business-critical phone numbers.
Our feature-rich AVOXI Platform is full of the voice tools you need to support your global business, including phone number analytics, number portability testing, a consolidated voice management dashboard, and 24/5 expert support provided by our best-in-class porting team. See how easy phone number porting is on the AVOXI Platform >
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