Updated on June 20, 2025 by John Clarke
What is “number portability”, and why is it important for your business?
The concept of VoIP number portability refers simply to the ability for a VoIP provider to take a traditional phone number out of the public switched telephone network and apply it to VoIP service. This can be highly valuable for a business. Local number portability allows businesses to transfer their existing phone numbers between telephone service providers, including VoIP and traditional landline systems, without losing their numbers.
Let’s look at seven reasons VoIP number portability is important for any business and its communication systems.
1. Geographic Locations Don’t Matter
Any business that is moving to a new geographic location can encounter the issue of being unable to move an existing number to the new locale. With a VoIP phone system, this is no longer an issue. You can move your existing number or numbers to VoIP and take them to any other location with ease. This way, your clients never need to learn a new number. The process of transferring your existing number to VoIP is known as “porting.” It is important to maintain your existing service during the number porting process to ensure a seamless transition and avoid any disruption in your current phone service.
2. No Physical Restrictions
Traditional phone systems are based on physical resources and systems and are tied to wiring and equipment in specific locations. VoIP number portability offers no geographical restrictions and much greater flexibility. Take your number to your new office, access it from the home office, or use it while traveling. VoIP numbers can be managed across multiple locations and devices, but keep in mind that the geographic area associated with a number may affect porting eligibility due to rate center limitations.
3. Business Consistency
VoIP number portability means existing numbers can be maintained, allowing current customers and prospects to continue to reach your company in the same manner. Not having to change numbers offers consistency, less hassle, and less risk of losing or disrupting business along the way. The Federal Communications Commission regulates number porting and ensures consumers can port their numbers between providers, supporting business continuity and compliance.
4. Local Numbers Anywhere
Businesses that work directly in multiple local markets, but aren’t physically located in all of them, can use a VoIP phone system and VoIP number portability to obtain local numbers. This allows your consumers to feel they’re working with a local company. When submitting a porting request to a new VoIP service provider, it is essential to provide an accurate service address and billing address to avoid delays or rejections.
5. Number Planning
With VoIP, the number of individual phone numbers your business utilizes isn’t tethered to a physical number of wired phone lines or phone systems. Utilize dozens, or hundreds, of unique phone numbers from one system, or have multiple phones for a single number. VoIP number portability allows your business to strategically plan how it handles both internal and external communications. When planning a transition, document all VoIP numbers, including business phone numbers, toll-free numbers, and virtual numbers, to ensure a smooth porting process.
6. Use in Any Way
VoIP number portability allows your business to use existing numbers in any way you choose. Use them as a main company number, direct in-dial numbers, fax lines, and a range of additional applications. The number porting process includes submitting a porting request, providing your account number and current phone bill, and working with your current provider and new provider to port your number successfully.
7. Say Goodbye to RCF
In the past, remote call forwarding (RCF) was often used as a workaround for many of the above issues. While effective, this was typically quite expensive. VoIP phone systems, on the other hand, are highly cost-efficient and budget-friendly. Say goodbye to the big price tag of RCF, while still receiving all the benefits it provides. Keep in mind that switching service providers may involve early termination fees or outstanding balances with your previous provider, so it is important to settle these before initiating a number port request.
Make the Most of VoIP Number Portability
VoIP number portability gives your business options and the ability to strategically structure your phone system to best serve your customers and your team. Not all phone numbers are eligible for porting due to number porting restrictions, such as those imposed by the competitive local exchange carrier or limitations based on the same geographic area or rate center.
The porting process may involve temporary numbers to ensure call continuity, and the duration of number porting varies depending on the providers involved. Verifying phone number ownership and providing accurate documentation, such as a current phone bill and account number, is crucial to avoid delays in the phone number porting process. The current carrier and previous provider play a key role in the porting process, and you must keep your current phone service active until the number transfer is complete.
Porting a landline phone number or phone line to a new VoIP provider may require technical steps, including coordination with your DSL provider if applicable. VoIP number porting work allows you to maintain the same phone number for business continuity, so it is important to choose a reputable VoIP industry provider. During the transition to a new phone service provider, you can use call forwarding to a cell phone or temporary number to avoid missing important calls.
Understanding the requirements for porting toll-free numbers and the process for submitting a local service request is also important. Always coordinate with both your current provider and new service provider to ensure a smooth transition and avoid service interruptions.Want to learn more about VoIP number portability? Call us today at 888-881-0805, or contact us here to discuss the many options available to your business.
