Guide
How to keep your business phone number when you switch providers
You can almost always keep your business phone numbers when you change providers. The process is called porting. Here is how it works and how to avoid delays.
Updated · 3 minute read
What you need
- The account number from your current phone bill.
- The name and service address exactly as they appear on that account.
- A PIN or passcode, if your current carrier uses one. Mobile and some VoIP carriers require it.
- A list of every number you want to move, including fax and toll-free numbers.
- A signed letter of authorization, which your new provider prepares for you.
How long it takes
Most business ports finish within 1 to 2 weeks. On the scheduled day, the numbers usually switch over within minutes.
Common mistakes that cause delays
- Canceling the old service before the port finishes. This can lose the number.
- The name or address on the request not matching the old account exactly.
- Forgetting a number, like a fax line or an old direct line on a separate bill.
- Using an account number from an old bill when the carrier has since changed it.
Common questions
In general, your old carrier cannot refuse a valid port request. Ask your new provider whether they charge for porting. We handle it as part of the switch.
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