What is Phone Number Porting & How does it Work?

Porting a phone number is transferring a number from one service provider to another. A phone number owner often decides this action for various reasons.

Many people are unaware they can retain their old phone number even after switching to their new provider. This applies to commercial and personal cell phone numbers, landlines, and virtual numbers.

With this blog, you will learn all you need to know about porting numbers. If you have any doubts, we will have you covered with frequently asked questions at the end of the article about phone number porting.

What is a Ported Number & Number Porting?

In simple words, number porting is defined as the technique of choosing an existing number and switching it to a different service provider. The number after the porting process is complete is called the ported number. If you wonder how to port your number, then let us clarify that there are two different methods.

The first option is a local porting request. The next one is full cell number porting. If you go for local porting, this method deals with customer number porting that points to fixed lines.

On the other hand, full cell number porting involves transferring your number to an altogether new provider to upgrade your old service plan. This can also mean transferring your phone number to an entirely new location.

What is Porting a Phone Number – How Does it Work?

Here are the steps involved in the process to port VOiP number with JustCall:

Step 1: To port your phone number, you must meet certain requirements. Determine if you are eligible to port number.

Step 2: Select a new service vendor. 

Step 3: Deliver a text (PORT followed by one 10-digit cell number to port to 1900).

Step 4: The subscriber will get a UPC or Unique Porting Code through text message.

Step 5: You must mention this UPC in the Customer Acquisition Form and the Porting Form provided by the provider you wish to switch to. 

Step 6: Request customer support to initiate the process of porting your phone number. Fill in the details required.

Step 7: Finally, you will be asked to sign an authorization letter approving the latest carrier to execute the port.

Step 8: Wait for the phone number porting process to be completed. As the phone number porting time typically takes a few days, you can use this time to keep paying your current provider.

Step 9: Get the new SIM card from your chosen provider.

Step 10: Activate your service by setting up an account and choosing a plan.

Step 11: The new carrier will inform you regarding the exact phone number porting status.

Once you receive a confirmation from their end, replace your old SIM and enjoy inbound and outbound calls with additional benefits.

Why Should You Port Your Phone Number?

Once the people clearly understand what it means to port a number, the users consider a few common reasons before deciding on a possible switch. Studies conducted by JustCall sum up these reasons:

• After comparing the various market options, users tend to switch to a similar carrier that offers affordable plans. At the same time, they do not want to change their number.
• Some service providers may offer additional features or benefits that are not available with call forwarding. For example, they may offer better call quality or lower rates for international calls.
• Some businesses may be unhappy with their current service provider but don’t want to lose their phone number. Porting their number allows them the opportunity to do so. 
• Many people in business wish to port number to VoIP service to retain it while traveling overseas.
• Several people choose a new provider based on other users’ feedback.
• Porting a phone number can help avoid interruptions in service when switching to a new provider.
• Businesses may use this to maintain a professional image and avoid the hassle of setting up a new number and updating relevant contacts and accounts.

Here are some JustCall recommendations if you are a new learner about what porting a number means:

• Consider checking our customized business phone system providing greater affordability and zero hassle in keeping your old number unchanged.
• Consider assigning one of those numbers to our VoIP number porting phone service if you carry two mobile phones.
• Porting phone numbers must allow call forwarding in case of multiple phone numbers.
• You may convert your landline to our virtual phone service. This allows you to exchange text messages and boost sales opportunities.

Potential Issues When Porting a Phone Number

There are quite a few phone number porting issues when you port a number. Some might be critical for you, and some might not. We have covered all the problems you might encounter during number porting.

• You must plan to port a phone number in advance. Sometimes the process takes more than one week. If you have an urgent requirement, this can arise as an issue.
• Many carriers do not levy an amount for porting numbers. Be sure to know the policy before you make a final move.
• Phone number portability check relies on your location, area code, etc. Sometimes you cannot hold the same number.
• Many carriers deny releasing your number, especially when you have the same account involving multiple lines.
• Your new carrier cannot process the porting request if you have an inactive old number. Make sure you cover everything about how to port the phone numbers before making an informed decision.
• Lastly, challenges appear when the new service provider faces difficulty retrieving your previous provider’s porting pin and account number.

How to Port a Number to a New Business Phone System?

To begin with, get hold of the account details by contacting your old carrier. This includes information like:

• Current account number;
• The phone number you wish to port;
• Your unique PIN;
• Name, billing address, online login credentials, and contact information.

The details mentioned above are to be given to the new service provider. Then get the new carrier application form, fill it out, and follow the necessary guidelines. Once the porting is done, you will receive confirmation through SMS.

To know more about the cheapest way to get a phone number to port, go through the latest plans launched by JustCall. You may even ring up our customer support squad, who will help you with any related queries.

Conclusion 

Phone number porting is a simple process of transferring a phone number from one service provider to another. While this process can be simple, it’s essential to be aware of phone number porting scams. 

To protect against these scams, it’s a good idea to use a phone number porting lock. You can also be cautious when giving out personal or account information related to your phone number.