The benefits of VoIP or voice-over-Internet-Protocol are pretty well established. More and more businesses are transferring to internet-based calls. But is it worth the time and the hassle? And how do you even do it?
What is Porting a Number?
You may have ported a number in the past without even realizing it. Porting a number is transferring a number from one provider to another. In this instance, it involves keeping the same landline number while you convert from a regular landline to a VoIP phone system.
Porting a number is similar to keeping your cell phone number even when you update or change a contract. You keep the same number while switching service providers. If you’ve ever done this, you’ll be aware the process can be a bit of a headache.
Why Would You Want to Port Your Landline Business Number?
Porting your landline business number saves a lot of hassle and administration, of course. But your business could depend on it. Existing clients need to know how to contact you, preferably using your current number. Nobody wants to deal with angry customers.
Source: Statista
Studies have shown that landline phones are rapidly disappearing because of increasing platforms for live and video chat online. However, a business number remains essential for many businesses. This is especially the case for businesses that operate from multiple IP addresses. If you’re planning to change your provider, this guide will reveal how to port your business number.
How to Port to Your New VoIP System the Right Way
Porting your landline to VoIP systems doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. There are the four stages involved in porting your landlines to a VoIP system. Fill Out a Porting Form This first step is pretty standard when it comes to porting. You’ll need to fill out a porting form to provide your new service provider with all the information they need about your existing service.
Porting forms aren’t necessary for the service provider you’re leaving.
Fill Out a Porting Form
This first step is pretty standard when it comes to porting. You’ll need to fill out a porting form to provide your new service provider with all the information they need about your existing service.
Porting forms aren’t necessary for the service provider you’re leaving.
Check Your Number Portability
In almost all cases, your porting request will go through without a problem. Very rarely, you won’t be able to change your landline number due to a lack of connection between the previous carrier and the new one.
More commonly, your porting request could be temporarily rejected for other reasons. Human errors such as spelling mistakes, incorrect account details, and unauthorized porting requests will all see your number rejected.
Always perform checks to ensure that the process of porting your number is smooth, therefore preventing unnecessary delays. If there is an issue, it’s flagged up straight away.
Letter of Authorization
Once you’ve checked your number portability, you need to complete a letter of authorization. A letter of authorization gives your new provider permission to speak to the company you’re leaving.
With a letter of authorization, your new provider takes care of all the hassle of changing providers for you. The form is straightforward and doesn’t take long to complete.
Proof of Ownership
The final step is confirmation that you own the landline system you’re porting to VoIP. Your new provider will need to see a bill confirming the landline number you previously used. The bill should have your name and address on it.
You must fill out these forms correctly. Failure to do so will result in a delay to your porting process. That leads us nicely to our next topic.
Common Porting Errors & How to Avoid Them
One of the main reasons that hold up a porting request is filling out forms incorrectly. Look for a provider that takes you through every step of document processing to help find errors from the start. There service teams that have a dedicated porting team ready to help with any porting problems (although there shouldn’t be many of them).
In the past, problems with timing the transition would result in the number being inactive for a few days. This could cause a significant loss of revenue for a business. It’s best to be oriented with the provider’s carefully planned process so you will know when the transfer will occur. Be sure to select the date and even the time (right down to the minute) you want to transfer a number as much as possible.
Bulk orders shouldn’t be an issue either. There are service providers that can port 5,000 numbers per carrier.
When you decide to port your landlines and switch to a new VoIP system, always collaborate with team members of your service provider to ensure a painless, seamless and hassle-free transition.
