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When do you need a number porting? Here’s everything you need to know about the process
When you have spent years building up your reputation, have a recognisable and well publicised phone number that customers recognise, you don’t want to lose it if you move and change service provider. Understandably you will want to take it with you. The process of taking your ‘landline’ number with you is called porting and is more complex than just requesting a PAC code for a mobile. Here is our step-by-step guide to porting your business phone number.
Porting my Business Phone Number
Porting a phone number is in principle simple, but there are pitfalls to avoid and a few things you should know before you start.
Most importantly, check your current contract. What contract term did you commit to? Are you out of contract? If not, your incumbent supplier may make penalty charges. This could be a token sum, or the full value of the remaining charges due on the balance of the contract.
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What is Number Porting?
Porting a phone number is the process of transferring an existing phone number from one service provider to another. You may want to do this for a number of reasons. Usually it is because you are switching to a new service provider.
So, how does it work and who does what?
When you have decided to move your phone service to a new provider. The new provider will ask you for the phone account information with your incumbent provider. They may even ask you for a copy of your last bill. This enables them to check all your numbers and account details carefully.
If you are transferring multiple numbers and DDI ranges on a phone system they will ask you to complete a form that they will submit to the porting authorities. This form is called a Client Letter Of Authority (CLOA).
You will need to complete the CLOA form and sign it. It is a legal document that authorises the new provider that you have chosen to request control of your numbers.
Once complete, the new provider will submit this to the porting authorities. The authorities charge for the service and irrespective of whether the port is successful or not, you will be charged.
To complete the Client Letter of Authority (CLOA) you will need your current billing details, telephone number(s) including the main billing number, the address where the numbers are registered, your company registration number and the site address if this is different from the registered address.
You may find it difficult to identify your main billing number, so always check with your incumbent provider. This also gives you the opportunity to advise them that you are moving and to expect the port request. If the sales team or account manager are reluctant to assist. Ask to speak with their Provisioning team. These are the people who have access to the information and will not give you a hard sell.
When speaking with your incumbent provider never say that you want to cease your number or lines or cancel your contract. This could result in you losing your number(s). Always talk about transferring, porting or moving your number(s).
Porting a phone number is the process of transferring an existing phone number from one service provider to another. You may want to do this for a number of reasons. Usually it is because you are switching to a new service provider.
Why can it fail?
Typical reasons why a port fails include:
- Not having all the telephone numbers listed in a DDI range
- Not having the correct address where the numbers are registered. This happens if the company has relocated a number of times and the phone numbers are registered to a previous address.
- Your incumbent supplier objects.
If the port is successful your new provider will be given a date for the number port. At this point they will confirm with you that this is convenient and agree a ‘go live’ date if you’re having a new phone system. If the date is not convenient, you can request a later date, but there is a charge each time the date is moved.
Once your numbers are moved, the services with your incumbent provider should automatically cease. However it is always good practice to check with them afterwards.
Final Thoughts about Number Porting
We understand that your phone number is essential to you, and we want to ensure that you don’t lose it on the switch. That’s why we offer an easy way to port your current number over to our service. You won’t have to go through the hassle of telling all of your customers about a new number – we’ll take care of everything for you.
Keep your business running as smoothly as possible by porting your current phone number over to Communications Solutions UK. We’ll make the process quick and easy, so you can focus on what’s important – running your business.
Click this link now and learn more about our porting service!
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We want to hear about your challenges. Talk to us! Our consultants can audit your systems, plan changes, implement improvements and support your people.
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