Porting and Keeping Your Business Number

Your phone number is printed on business cards, websites, invoices and listings. Customers have saved it for years. Losing it when you change providers or move offices would be costly and confusing.

What number porting is

Number porting transfers your existing number from one provider to another. Customers keep dialling the same number while calls are delivered by the new provider.

Eligibility

Porting rules depend on the type of number and the geographic area it belongs to. Fixed-line numbers are often tied to a local service area, which can affect porting when moving between cities. Check eligibility with your new provider early.

Documents you'll need

Typically, a recent bill from the current provider, company identification and authorisation documents, and details of every number to be ported, including any additional or hunting numbers.

Plan the timeline

Porting can take several days to a few weeks. Avoid cancelling your old service before the port completes, or the number may be lost.

Minimise disruption

Schedule the final switchover during a quiet period. Test inbound and outbound calls immediately afterwards, including IVR and hunting.

Moving offices

If you are relocating within the same area, your provider may be able to move your number with you. If you are moving further, call forwarding or virtual numbers can bridge the gap while customers update their records.

Update everything else

Check that your number is correct on your website, Google Business Profile, directories and marketing materials.

Keep a number inventory

Maintain a list of all your business numbers, their purposes and which provider holds them.

The bottom line

With planning, you can keep your business number through provider changes and office moves. UbiFi helps businesses port numbers smoothly.

Learn more about Business Landline & Voice from UbiFi, or talk to our team.