One of the biggest concerns businesses have when switching phone providers is losing their number. Customers know that number. It's on your website, your Google Business Profile, your business cards, your signage. Changing it would be a significant disruption.
The good news: you don't have to change it. Number porting — the process of transferring your existing phone number to a new provider — is a standard, legally protected process in the United States. Here's exactly how it works.
What Is Number Porting?
Number porting (officially called a "port-out" from your old carrier and a "port-in" to your new one) is the transfer of your phone number's ownership from one telecommunications provider to another. Under FCC rules, every carrier is required to allow porting upon customer request. Your old carrier cannot refuse or significantly delay a legitimate port request.
The process works for local business numbers, toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, etc.), fax numbers, and most mobile numbers. It does not work for extension numbers internal to a PBX — only publicly-routable phone numbers can be ported.
How Long Does Number Porting Take?
For most local business numbers, porting takes 3–7 business days from the moment your new provider submits the port request. Toll-free numbers (800, 888, etc.) can take 5–10 business days. The timeline depends on how quickly your current carrier processes the release.
During the porting process, your number continues to work on your old carrier. There is no service interruption — calls keep coming in until the port is complete, then they automatically route to your new system.
Step-by-Step: How to Port Your Number to VoIP
Step 1: Do Not Cancel Your Old Service Yet
This is the most common mistake. If you cancel your service with your current carrier before the port completes, you may lose the number permanently. Keep your old account active until your new provider confirms the port is complete.
Step 2: Gather Your Account Information
Your new VoIP provider will need the following to submit the port request: the phone number(s) to be ported, your current carrier's account number, the account PIN or password (if your carrier uses one), the name on the account exactly as it appears on your bill, and the service address associated with the account.
Step 3: Submit the Port Request to Your New Provider
Your new VoIP provider submits a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to your current carrier on your behalf. This document authorizes the transfer. You'll typically sign this electronically as part of your new account setup. Once submitted, your current carrier has a set number of business days to process the release.
Step 4: Set Up Your New Phone System in Parallel
While the port is in progress, you can fully set up your new VoIP system using a temporary number. Configure your auto attendant, extensions, business hours, voicemail, and SMS settings — everything will be ready the moment your number transfers over.
Step 5: Confirm the Port Is Complete
Your new provider will notify you when the port completes — usually via email. Test the number immediately by calling it from an external phone. Once confirmed, you can cancel your old service.
/ Numbers / Port-InIllustrative example — interface may differ from the actual Zonitel platform.
Common Reasons Number Ports Are Delayed
- Mismatched account information — the name or address on your LOA doesn't match what's on file with your old carrier
- Outstanding balance on your old account — some carriers use this as grounds to delay
- Number is part of a contract with an early termination clause — the port can still proceed, but you may owe an ETF
- The number is part of a hunt group or bundled with other services — these require additional coordination
- Toll-free numbers require an extra step through the SMS/800 database
Can I Port a Number I've Had for 20+ Years?
Yes. The age of your number has no bearing on portability. Numbers that have been with the same carrier for decades port the same way as newer numbers. The FCC's porting rules apply equally regardless of tenure.
What If I Have Multiple Numbers?
You can port multiple numbers simultaneously or in batches. If you have a main business number, a fax number, and a toll-free number, all three can be transferred to your new VoIP provider — though they may complete on slightly different timelines depending on number type.
Zonitel Handles Number Porting for Free
When you switch to Zonitel, we manage the entire porting process on your behalf at no charge. You keep your number, we handle the paperwork.
- Free number porting on all plans — local, toll-free, and fax numbers
- Dedicated porting support to track your transfer status
- Temporary number provided immediately so you can set up your system in advance
- Zero downtime — calls keep routing through your old carrier until the port completes
- Port multiple numbers simultaneously if needed
- Works with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Spectrum, Comcast, RingCentral, and most other carriers
Plans from $30/extension. No contracts. Setup in under 1 hour after porting completes.
Learn moreKeep Your Number. Switch to VoIP.
Start your free trial today. We'll handle the port — you keep your number and gain everything VoIP has to offer.