Porting (Local Number Portability) moves your existing number to a new provider. Done right, customers never notice. Done wrong, your main line goes dark. Follow this checklist.
Before you start
- Do not cancel your old service — cancelling can release the number.
- Request a Customer Service Record (CSR) from your current carrier; the name, address and account number must match exactly.
- Get your account PIN / port-out passcode (mobile carriers require it).
- List every number: main lines, fax, toll-free, DIDs.
The porting process
- Set up users and call flows on the new platform using temporary numbers.
- Submit a Letter of Authorization (LOA) and a recent bill copy to the new provider.
- Wait for the Firm Order Commitment (FOC) date — typically days to a few weeks.
- On port day, test inbound calls, SMS and voicemail immediately.
- Cancel the old service only after all numbers are confirmed working.
Top reasons ports get rejected
- Name or address mismatch with the CSR
- Wrong account number or missing PIN
- Partial port of a hunt group without specifying the billing telephone number
- Numbers under contract or with a pending order
Tip: Schedule the port mid-week in the morning so support teams are available if anything goes wrong.
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