Your Guide To Porting A Phone Number: 5 Reasons Why Your Number Port Might Be Rejected + Solutions For Each

What Is Number Porting?

Number porting is the process of transferring your business phone numbers from one service provider to another.

Number porting can be executed between regular carriers and VoIP providers, thanks to the partnership between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC).

The term “port” comes from the Latin word “portare,” which means “to carry.” This is exactly what happens when porting a phone number: a code is transferred to a new operating system.

If your business relies heavily on phone communication, it’s unlikely you’d want to disrupt your established business routine by changing your number. That’s where number porting comes in. It allows you to keep your same phone numbers when you switch to a new service provider.

How To Port A Phone Number: Key Factors To Keep In Mind

Whether you’re moving from one carrier to another, or moving from a carrier to a VoIP provider, porting can be a simple process as long as all of the information you present is accurate.

For only one phone number, porting your phone number can be done in as little as a day.

If you’re porting multiple phone numbers, it could take several weeks to complete the transition.

Similarly, if you’re porting a landline to a VoIP provider, or two virtual PBX providers, it can take up to four weeks. (PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange, which allows you to switch calls between different users on local lines while using the same number of external phone lines).

Before you begin the process of porting your phone number, keep these key tips in mind:

• Review your contract with your carrier to assess possible termination fees
• Keep your current contract until you sign with another company and start the porting process.
• To request number porting with a new service provider, submit all needed information with a Letter of Authorization (LOA). Note that the LOA can be also referred to as Letter of Agency, Responsible Organization Change Authorization or a RespOrg form.
• Make sure you accurately submit all necessary information to your new service provider.
• Keep in mind that your provider is legally required to port your number at your request.
• Ask your new provider to provide a temporary number while the porting process takes place.

5 Reasons For Number Port Rejection

When transferring your business numbers to a new provider, there are several issues that might hinder the process. Here are five common reasons for number port rejection, and simple solutions for each.

1. Incorrect Data

Ensuring that you give your new provider accurate information is key to a smooth transition.

Your new company will compare the data you submit in your Letter of Authorization (LOA) to your provider’s Customer Service Record (CSR) to ensure that everything matches.

Even the smallest discrepancy can turn into a number port rejection. Make sure you verify your personal data, account number, telephone number, address and Zip code.

The solution: If your number port is rejected due to inaccurate information, resubmit your Letter of Authorization with the correct details.

2. Incorrect/Invalid PIN

If you are a client of a carrier or VoIP provider, you have a PIN number associated with your account. It serves as an additional security measure used to authenticate customers’ requests, similar to your debit or credit card PIN number.

In most cases, your new provider will need your PIN to complete your number porting. If your PIN number is incorrect, your request will be rejected.

The solution: Ask you current provider for your PIN number, and ensure the number is accurate before you submit your request.

3. Inactive/Overdue Account

If your account is inactive or overdue, there’s a change your provider may have deactivated your account. This can lead to a number port rejection.

The solution: To continue with your port request you must have an active account. Contact your provider to discuss the status of your account. If it is overdue, you will need to pay the amount owed in order to port your phone number.

4. Locked Number

If you haven’t used your Google Voice number in over 30 days, your number may be blocked. Or, you may have unknowingly enabled the lock option.

The solution: Visit the unlock page on Google Voice to unlock your account. If you do not see the option to unlock your number, make sure you are logged in to a specific Google account and not multiple accounts.

If your transfer lock is enabled, disable it, then save the changes and resubmit your porting request. The unlocking fee is $3, but it will be waived if your number was originally ported in from a mobile service provider.

5. Unauthorized Request Or Signature

Number porting can be requested only by the primary account holder. If you are not the primary account holder, your request will be rejected.

If the primary account company is no longer with the company, you will need to notify your provider and correct the records, before you can continue with your request.

The solution: Make sure the number you are trying to port is in your name, not in the name of a spouse, business partner or an ex-colleague. Get in touch with the current provider and ask them to update their records, then resubmit your porting request.

VoIP Number Porting With DS BLS

Curious about porting your phone number for VoIP? At DS BLS, our VOIP phone systems can streamline communication within your organization.

Whether your team is working in the office, working from home or working within a hybrid office setup, we offer flexible solutions to protect your business and increase productivity.

Our VoIP solutions include over 90 calling features and simplified scaling, to fit businesses of any size.

We offer excellent call quality and uptime, as well as configuration and call reporting through a single web-based portal.

Our powering cloud-based platform, Elevate, supports team collaboration and communication both in the office and in remote working environments. The integration is easy to use and deploy and there is no need for additional hardware or training.

Elevate combines mobile and desktop apps to place and receive calls, chat, share screens, and videoconference to increase productivity.

You will never miss important calls from clients or employees because the system rings at all end points. If you don’t answer a call because you are away from your desk, the call can be routed to a number of your choice, including a mobile number, automated attendant or another office branch.

With our VoIP system, your employees receive a local phone number with a unique extension, WebFax, a voicemail box with transcription services, team chat and messaging, 2 GB per user ShareSync file share, backup and more.

You can benefit from centralized management regardless of where your offices are located or where your employees are working from, along with active directory integration, enabling and disabling of call recording, spam caller protection and more.

Transferring to our VoIP solution can upgrade your business and bring you an unmatched level of communication and collaboration.