PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
FREE NUMBER
PORTING
Phone number porting is a right granted by the FCC that allows you to keep your existing phone number when you change phone service providers.
You don’t have to lose your familiar digits when changing providers. Our free phone number porting services eliminate the hassle of updating contacts for a smooth transition when changing phone companies. Whether it’s a landline or a virtual phone number, number portability makes sure you can maintain your established identity.
NUMBER PORTING AT A GLANCE
WHAT IS NUMBER PORTING?
The phone number porting process is governed by FCC rules, which mandate that your current phone provider must allow porting of your phone number(s) over to the new phone service provider. The number porting approval typically takes a few business days, depending on the current phone service providers. To port your phone number, you need to make sure your phone service accounts are owned by you and in good standing. You will need to gather all necessary information, such as your account number, billing telephone number (BTN), and porting number PIN with your existing provider.
HOW THE PORTING PROCESS WORKS
The number porting process involves several key steps to complete the transfer of the phone number(s).
- Identify the numbers you want to port completely, port partially, or retain with current phone service.
- Review your contracts for number porting policies to follow to determine your phone number portability.
- Contact Epcom Global Networks to start the porting process or fill up the porting request form below.
- Fill up and submit the LOA form to your new service provider if required.
- Obtain the PIN number from your current provider, which may be required to authorize the porting.
- Wait for confirmation from Epcom Global Networks about the porting date.
- Once the number has been ported, confirm with Epcom Global Networks that you are able to use your phone.
UNDERSTANDING THE NUMBER PORTING PROCESS
DETERMINING PHONE NUMBER PORTABILITY
Local Number Portability (LNP) allows individuals and businesses to retain their existing telephone numbers when switching from one service provider to another within the same geographic area code (No PO boxes). Make sure that your account is in good standing, not frozen or suspended, and not under any contractual obligations or restrictions before closing. Verify that your number is not associated with any bundled services like internet or special features like emergency or alarm systems, that could complicate the transfer. Some service providers may have a portability criterion, so contacting them directly and reviewing your contract can provide you with the most accurate information about your number’s portability status.
INITIATING THE NUMBER PORTING PROCESS
Contact your provider’s customer service to let them know you want to port your number and are switching providers. We recommend asking them for the information they have on file for you, including your correct account name, billing address, and port-out PIN. Whether you are porting a residential phone number or business numbers, we offer our porting service for free. We only need the following documentation to ease the porting process:
- Porting Request per unique BTN - Billing Telephone Numbers
- A list of all phone numbers to port under each unique BTN
- Phone bills or paid invoices in the last few months per unique BTN
- A port-out/transfer Account PIN from the current service provider
- A completed and signed LOA - Letter of Authorization per Porting Request
You must initiate the port-out request yourself by notifying your current phone provider and Epcom Global Networks that you’ll be switching services. Use the Number Porting Request Form below to initiate a porting request. A port request should be made for each phone number on a different account or BTN. You cannot include toll-free numbers, Canadian, US, or UK numbers in one port request.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whether you’re moving your phone to a new location, upgrading your business phone to VoIP, or transitioning your business phone system, Epcom Global Networks will help port your number for free and let you use your phones without disruption.
- What is the requirement for porting numbers?
You can port a maximum of 100 numbers from a single Billing Telephone Number (BTN), which means that the numbers must be associated with a single account and a single address (No PO Box) from the same phone service provider. A porting request with Epcom Global Networks is per BTN you own and plan to convert into VoIP.
- Can I port my numbers even if I am under contract?
Yes, you can port your number even if you are under contract granted that the account is not suspended or frozen. The FCC emphasizes that phone number portability cannot be denied due to contractual obligations. Even if you need to port phone numbers from a business phone system under a contract, the provider must allow you to port your number. Review your contract for any port out fee and early cancellation fee stipulations.
- How long does it take to port a number?
FCC rules require simple ports, which do not involve more than one line or more complex adjustments to telephone switching equipment, to be processed in one business day. You may be able to use your phone within a few hours for changes among VoIP service providers like Epcom Global Networks. However, porting from wireline to VoIP may still take a few days. The good news is that while the port is taking place, you will still able to use your phone number.
- Will I lose service during the porting process?
Do not close your account with your current company before initiating new service with another company. During the transfer process, your number will remain active. You’ll be able to use your phone number with your original provider up until the porting date. To avoid losing service, wait until your new service is fully functional before canceling your current service. During the number porting process, you will still be able to use your phone with your current carrier, so you will not lose access to your phone or your existing phone number while your phone number is being ported to your new phone company.
- When should I close my current account?
You should cancel your service with your original phone service provider only after the porting to Epcom Global Networks is completed. Canceling service with your current provider before your number has been ported successfully can cause issues, like emergency services not being able to call back, so we recommend waiting until your porting process is complete to close your account to avoid any disruption in your phone service. You should do a test run of your newly ported phone to make sure you can make and receive calls.
NUMBER PORTING REQUEST FORMS
FREE NUMBER PORTING
Contact us today and experience enhanced clarity, flexibility, and cost savings!
Can we keep our old phone numbers?
Yes. We offer FREE porting of your old business or home phone numbers.
Do we need to invest in new hardware?
You can opt to use your legacy hardware with web-enabled phone services or upgrade your devices to maximize all modern features.