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How Do You Port Your Phone Number to Another Phone Service?

how to port a phone number

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Every two years, nearly 45% of mobile phone users change their phone numbers, often due to dissatisfaction with their current carrier’s service, coverage, or pricing. However, changing a phone number can lead to complications, especially when it is linked to important contacts and services.

 

Porting your phone number to another carrier or phone system allows you to switch phone service while keeping your existing number. The global market for phone number porting was valued at USD 1.91 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 2.29 billion by 2031.


What Is Phone Number Porting?

Phone number porting is the process of transferring your existing phone number from one service provider to another. It allows you to switch carriers without changing your phone number, helping you maintain continuity in communications and enjoying the benefits of a new phone services. You need to provide details to your new phone service provider who will then coordinate with your current provider to transfer your number.

Things to Consider Before Porting Your Phone Number

Before porting your phone number, you must consider the following things for a successful transfer to a new phone service:
 

  • Keep your current service active until the porting process is complete.
  • Verify your phone’s compatibility with the new carrier’s network.
  • Review your current contract for any early termination fees or outstanding balances.
  • Ensure your phone is unlocked if it’s tied to a specific carrier.
  • Prepare the required documentation, such as a recent bill and porting authorization form.
  • Check for any potential downtime during the porting process.
  • Be aware of any additional costs associated with porting, such as activation fees.

What Documents Are Require for Phone Number Porting?

The documents you require to port your phone number from one carrier to another phone service include a Letter of Authorization, customer service record and your recent phone bill.
 

  1. A Letter of Authorization (LOA): A LOA grants you the authority to your new carrier to port your phone number legally.
     
  2. Copy of Bill (COB): You must bring a copy of your recent phone bill (not older than 30 days).
     
  3. Customer Service Record (CSR): A CSR consist of your account number and a 4-digit PIN from your current carrier.

Where Do I Port My Phone Number to?

When it comes to porting your phone number, you have two main options: switching to another phone carrier or moving to a VoIP phone system.

Porting Number to Another Phone Carrier

Porting your number to another phone carrier allows you to keep your existing number while possibly gaining better network coverage, customer service, or pricing plans. It makes it a good choice for those who prefer traditional mobile or landline services.

You can typically port your phone number to another service provider, whether it’s a mobile or landline number. If the phone number is under your name, you can initiate the porting process yourself. However, for numbers under a company account, you might need help from the account admin.

Most carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, allows you to check online if your number is eligible for porting.

Note that some providers may not be able to port numbers if they don’t serve the geographic area where the number is located. For example, providers without coverage in Alaska might be unable to port a local 907 number.

Porting Number to VoIP Phone System

Porting your phone number to a VoIP system offers greater flexibility and access to modern features. With VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), your phone number is transferred to a cloud-based system  - it becomes a virtual number which you can use to make and receive calls over the Internet, without needing a physical SIM card. You can access your virtual phone number on any device including smartphones, tablets, or computers.

Calilio provides an easy and efficient way to port your existing phone number, whether it’s a local, mobile, toll-free, or even another VoIP number. Follow these steps to port your phone number to Calilio:
 

  1. Visit Calilio and click Get Started to create an account.
  2. Navigate to Settings > My Numbers > Port Existing.
  3. Consult with the support team to meet all the requirements.
  4. Submit the necessary documentation.
  5. Our team will review your request and notify you once the porting is successful

 

How Long Does It Take To Port a Number?

The average time for phone number porting is 5-7 business days. The time may very, depending on situations, such as submitting incorrect documents causing delays in document validation. Once the porting is complete, your phone number will be deactivated from the old carrier.

Below is listed the average number porting time it takes for service providers.
 

Phone Service Provider

Estimated Number Porting Time

Calilio

US numbers: 5 to 7 business days

Canadian numbers: 10 to 12 business day

AT&T

Mobile: Up to 5 business days

Landline: 5 to 7 business days

Verizon

Mobile: 4 to 24 hours

Landline: 2 to 4 business days

T-Mobile

Mobile: 10 minutes to 2 hours

Landline: 3 to 10 days


Note: Calilio’s porting process for phone numbers other than US and Canadian numbers may take 2 weeks to 4 weeks.

Conclusion

Phone number porting allows you to switch carriers or transition to a VoIP phone system without losing your existing number. It ensures you represent your brand identity while using a phone service that fits your budget and communication needs.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the flexibility of making calls from multiple devices with a VoIP system or simply seeking better service from another carrier, porting your number offers a seamless transition.

Calilio maintains your brand identity while you port your phone number to our cloud phone system. With us, you can make and receive calls online from any device, anywhere. Sign up today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to port a phone number?

Porting a phone number means transferring your existing phone number from one service provider to another. It allows you to keep your current number even when you switch carriers.

What is the portability of a phone number?

Portability of a phone number refers to its ability to move from one phone service to another, ensuring you don’t lose your number when switching service providers.

What happens after you port a number?

After porting a number, your phone number is transferred to the new carrier, and you can start using the new service with your existing number. Your old service will be deactivated.

What are the disadvantages of porting a number?

Disadvantages of porting a number include potential downtime during the transition, the possibility of porting delays, and sometimes the inability to transfer numbers between certain providers or geographic locations.

Can I use my phone while my number is being ported?

You can continue to use your phone while your number is being ported. Your old service will work until your number is successfully ported.

Can a ported number be reversed?

You can reverse port your phone number. However, you must submit all the documents required for number porting again, including a new Letter of Authorization (LOA) and a recent phone bill.

How many times can a number be ported?

You can port your numbers as many times as you want, and to as many phone services as you want.


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