Essential Steps to Retain Your Business Number During Carrier Transition

For small business owners, your business phone number often reflects your brand identity. Upgrading or changing your service provider doesn't mean losing this important contact detail. According to FCC guidelines, if your business operates within the same area, you can transfer your existing number to a new provider—a process called number porting.

Here are important tips to ensure you keep your current business number during the switch:

Choose a reputable business phone service provider that offers the features you need within your budget.

If you bundle your phone service with Internet or TV, verify how switching providers might impact these services and fees.

Avoid canceling your current service before the port is complete; instead, contact your new provider to initiate the porting process and provide all necessary information.

Send a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to your existing provider to request the number transfer.

Be aware that some carriers might charge for porting, but negotiations or waivers are possible. Ensure there are no unpaid dues that could prevent the process.

Confirm that emergency 911 services will continue to function properly after the switch; GPS and callback features may vary.

Expect a transition period where both plans and phones might be active using the same number.

Single line porting usually takes one business day; switching from wired to wireless might take up to ten days.