Many business owners ask, “can I keep my number if I switch to VoIP?” The short answer is yes. Both local and toll-free numbers can be transferred. This blog will look at how to do so and the advantages of transitioning to a business VoIP phone systems.
When switching to VoIP services — which transmits all voice calls and data communications as data packets via the Internet instead of the traditional phone line — many businesses want to keep the existing phone number.
Keeping the same number and moving it to a new service provider is called “porting” the number. Local Number Portability (LNP) allows US customers to retain their telephone numbers, even to VoIP providers. Per Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules you can switch and retain your number as long as you remain in the same geographic area.
The Porting Process
This process should not be challenging. In fact, the FCC suggests a porting period of just one business day for all simple ports — those that do not involve more than one line or complex adjustments to telephone switching equipment.
A simple porting should require minimal information from the business:
- 10 digit phone number
- customer account number
- customer zip code
- customer pass code, if one exists on account
A more detailed phone number porting can take longer — from a few days to several weeks as the process requires a written letter of authorization and cooperation from the outgoing provider. Customers will also need to provide a copy of the billing statement along with, ideally, a customer service record (CSR) from the previous provider.
New Number or Not?
While switching to VoIP is an affordable option, changing a number can be costly. A number change requires letting all existing customers know, editing all current communication materials, and promoting the new number to potential customers as well.
Don’t want to maintain your existing number? Or want to gain a new number? VoIP providers can work with you on that front, too. The business, for instance, can gain a new 1-800 number anywhere in the US or Canada, or can foster a local presence by taking on new phone numbers tied to particular regional area codes.
Learn more about VoIP Voice Solutions with ClarityTel.