Porting Phone Numbers

What is number porting?

Number porting, as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is the process that allows customers to keep their existing telephone number when going from one service provider to another. This ability to maintain your phone number, irrespective of the service carrier, is made possible due to regulations established to promote competition among providers.

There are two primary types of phone number transfer: Local Number Portability (LNP) and Mobile Number Portability (MNP). LNP refers to the process for landline numbers, while MNP is used when moving mobile or wireless numbers. Both types of phone number portability aim to provide a seamless transition while changing service providers, ensuring that your communication line remains consistent.

How porting a phone number can help your business

Navigating potential challenges becomes easier with phone number porting:

Minimizing disruption

Avert customer confusion and frustration by retaining your established contact number even when transitioning to a new service provider.

Securing brand identity

Safeguard your market image against possible dilution. A consistent, long-standing number is a key part of your brand identity and serves as a beacon in the crowded marketplace.

Balancing budgets

Combat escalating communication costs by switching to a more economical provider without risking customer relationships.

Embracing technological shifts

Address the daunting task of integrating new technologies like VoIP, while eliminating the need to change your familiar contact number.

Managing relocation

Tackle the challenges of geographic mobility. Your business can shift locations without the pressure of updating contact information, ensuring uninterrupted customer touchpoints.

What do I need to port my number?

To successfully port over a phone number, you’ll need to gather some essential information. This typically includes:

• Letter of authorization (LOA): A signed LOA is crucial. If you’re moving both local and toll-free numbers from the same account, you’ll need to complete two separate LOAs.
• Contact information: This includes the account owner’s full name, service address, and PIN. If you’re unsure about the PIN, reach out to your current provider.
• Payment information: This comprises the billing address, phone bill, account number, Billing Telephone Number (BTN), and your most recent invoice.
• Number information: Specify the type of numbers you wish to move (local, toll-free, VoIP, mobile phone or landline numbers) and provide a list of the numbers you want to move.

To expedite the process, it’s best to obtain a Customer Service Record (CSR) from your current service provider. This comprehensive document contains all the information needed for a smooth port-out, ensuring a hassle-free transition.

Once the porting process is complete, you’re ready to fully utilize the benefits of MightyCall.
Feel free to ask us any additional questions.

Why port numbers to MightyCall?

Inclusive numbers in all plans

Move your personal local or toll-free numbers to any of our plans at no additional cost. Regardless of your selected plan, you can potentially enjoy unlimited minutes with your moved numbers.

Feature-rich experience

Moving your number to MightyCall gives you access to an array of comprehensive features without any monthly add-ons. From team collaboration tools to advanced call handling features, we aim to enhance every step of your customer communication process.

Uncompromised security & reliability

Experience exceptional call quality with 99.99% uptime when you mover your number to MightyCall. Our round-the-clock network security, data encryption, and protection from robocallers ensure your business communications are safe and reliable.

Live customer support

Our experienced customer support team is ready to assist you during the porting phone number process and beyond. We offer multiple channels for customers to reach out if they need help.

Competitive pricing

Moving your number to MightyCall gives you access to competitively priced packages, providing excellent value without compromising on call quality or available features.

Swift and hassle-free transition

MightyCall is a completely virtual system that can facilitate the moving of your number quickly and effortlessly. Experience the ease and convenience of modern business communication with MightyCall.

MightyCall features to streamline your communications

MightyCall offers an array of over three dozen features, specifically designed to enhance professionalism, foster teamwork, and ensure security. Here are six that you’re sure to appreciate:

• Device-Agnostic Call Forwarding: Use any internet-enabled device to make and receive business calls. Be it your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or IP desk phone, MightyCall ensures seamless communication.
• Auto Attendant: The auto attendant efficiently routes important calls to the appropriate person or department.
• Business Texting: Extend your communication beyond calls. Send texts from your business number, transforming your phone into a versatile marketing tool.
• Voicemail-to-Text: Leverage our advanced voicemail features and voicemail-to-text to save time and focus on important tasks.
• Call Analytics: MightyCall provides valuable insights with detailed call analytics, allowing you to track customer interactions, measure team performance, and make informed business decisions.
• Mobile App: Our mobile app is like having a mini MightyCall dashboard in your pocket. It’s a customer favorite and an essential tool for managing communications on the go.

How does phone number porting work?

While the process of moving a phone number might seem daunting, it’s actually quite straightforward, even for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how it works:

1. Notify your current provider

Begin by informing your current provider that you plan to port your number. You’ll also need to provide any required information to your new provider to prove your ownership of the number. The exact information needed can vary, so it’s important to clarify this to ensure a smooth transition.

2. Activation by the new provider

Once you’ve submitted the necessary information, your new provider, whether traditional or virtual, will start the activation process for your phone number. This is the beginning of the technical transition phase.

3. Account for possible fees

Be aware that there may be fees associated with porting telephone numbers, depending on your new service and the carrier you’re leaving. It’s best to budget for this possibility to avoid financial surprises.

4. Wait for completion

Typically, the phone number process is completed within a week, though this can vary depending on your new and old number carriers. International process may take longer. Patience is key during this waiting period.

5. Receive confirmation

Your new carrier will notify you when they have successfully finished the transfer process. It’s crucial not to cancel your service with your old provider until this process is complete, as premature cancellation can cause complications. Now, you’re all set to operate with your new carrier!
Moving your number to MightyCall simplifies the process even further. We can act as your number transition service, streamlining the transition. Just fill out this form, and we’ll handle the rest!

Benefits of number porting

Business continuity

Number transition ensures your business continuity by allowing you to maintain your existing phone number, even when changing providers. This eliminates any potential disruption in communications with your clients.

Brand identity preservation

Your phone number can be a significant part of your brand identity. By moving your number, you retain this vital connection with your customers, preserving their familiarity and trust.

Customer convenience

Your customers won’t have to update their contact information or adjust to a new number. Porting allows for a seamless transition, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Cost savings

Phone porting can lead to cost savings by allowing you to change to a more affordable provider without incurring the expense and hassle of changing your number on marketing materials and notifying clients.

Freedom and flexibility

Moving your number gives you the freedom to switch providers as needed, ensuring you’re always getting the best service and value for your business communications needs.

Simplified communications

By keeping your existing number, all your previous contacts, call histories, and established communication systems remain intact, simplifying your transition and operations.

Potential complications when porting a phone number

While most porting phone number steps are smooth and straightforward, it’s important to acknowledge that certain rare issues can emerge. Here are some potential challenges:

1. Limited coverage or infrastructure. In certain regions, the technological capabilities or physical infrastructure may not be sufficient to facilitate number transition. This issue is more common when dealing with international business numbers.
2. Contractual obligations. Your existing contract may contain clauses that prevent your business number from being moved.
3. Legal complications. Legal problems can vary significantly, so if you encounter any during the process, it’s recommended to consult with your legal advisor or lawyer.
4. Inactive numbers. If your number has been discontinued or the contract was canceled before the process was completed, moving may not be possible. You would have to get a phone number with a provider first to switch.
5. Lack of interconnection agreement. In rare cases, the new operator might lack an interconnection agreement with the original operator, making number “cross over” unfeasible.
   While these issues are not common, it’s beneficial to be aware of them as you begin the process.

How much does number porting cost?

The cost of number transition varies widely between providers, with some charging a fee and others offering the phone porting service for free. Prices can range from $10 to $100 or more. At MightyCall, we believe in simplicity and convenience, which is why we provide number transition as a complimentary service for our clients. With MightyCall, moving your number is absolutely free.

How long does it take to port a number?

The duration for moving a number can vary, typically taking anywhere from a few days up to a couple of weeks. This largely depends on your current and new providers, and the complexity of the process involved. With MightyCall, we strive to make this process as swift and seamless as possible, often successfully completing the process within 7 to 10 business days.

Will my current phone number be active during the porting process?

Yes, your current business phone number will be active while you switch over to a new company. Businesses don’t have to stop or pause working. With a business phone number, you’ll be able to enjoy all the regular communication while the process is ongoing.

What is the difference between phone number porting and call forwarding?

While both phone number transition and call forwarding relate to handling of phone calls, they serve different purposes. Phone number porting involves transferring your existing phone number from one service provider to another, ensuring continuity and consistency for your contacts. On the other hand, call forwarding is a feature offered by many telecom services that allows incoming calls to be rerouted to another number, such as your cell phone or home phone. It’s about managing calls, not changing service providers.

Port your phone number with ease

Phone number porting process can allow you to switch carriers, enjoy higher standards of service without causing any inconvenience to your customers, and introduce you to brand new features and ways of doing business while also keeping the number around which you’ve built your brand.
When looking to make a change to a new company and porting your business phone number, you might consider looking into MightyCall and turning your landline number into a VoIP phone number. With loads of features like call recording, visual voicemail, the ability to send a text message, and routing, MightyCall is a truly modern virtual phone system.