It's the number one worry when businesses consider switching phone systems: "Will we lose our number?" Your phone number is on your website, your vans, your business cards and in your customers' phones. The good news: you keep it, thanks to number porting.
What is number porting?
Number porting is the process of transferring your existing phone number from your old provider to your new hosted telephony provider. The number stays exactly the same - it just lives on the new system. Customers notice nothing; they call the same number and reach you as always.
You can port most types of number, including geographic numbers (like 01 and 02), and non-geographic numbers.
How does porting work?
The process is straightforward, and your new provider does most of the heavy lifting:
- Request the port - you sign a porting authorisation and provide details of your current numbers and account.
- Validation - the providers verify the details match the records held by the losing provider.
- Schedule - a porting date is agreed.
- Switch-over - on the agreed date, the number moves to the new system, usually within a short, planned window.
A good provider coordinates this carefully to avoid any disruption - see our guide to choosing a provider.
How long does it take?
Porting timescales vary depending on the number type and the losing provider, but it typically takes from a few days to a few weeks. This is exactly why it pays to start early - especially with the analogue switch-off approaching and demand rising.
Things to watch for
- Don't cancel your old service first - porting must complete before you close the old account, or you risk losing the number.
- Check for outstanding contracts with your current provider.
- Confirm there are no porting charges when comparing providers.
- Get the account details right - mismatched details are the most common cause of delays.
The bottom line
Switching to hosted telephony doesn't mean losing your hard-earned number - porting brings it across to the new system seamlessly. The key is to plan ahead and let an experienced provider manage the process. Want a smooth, no-stress switch that keeps your numbers? Explore our Cloud Telephony service or request a callback.
Frequently asked questions
What is number porting?
Number porting is the process of transferring your existing phone numbers from one provider or system to another, so you keep the same numbers when you switch.
How long does number porting take?
Simple ports can take a couple of weeks, while larger or more complex ports take longer. Your provider will manage the process and confirm a date.
Will my phones stop working during porting?
No. Porting is scheduled so the switchover happens at an agreed time with little or no disruption, and your old service stays live until it completes.
