Everything You Need to Know About Number Portability When Moving to VoIP

Compliments of FSMC Business Telecom Services

number portability

Switching your business phone system to VoIP is a smart move. It can lower costs, increase flexibility, and unlock advanced features that help your team communicate more efficiently. But one common concern when making the switch is number portability—can you keep your existing phone numbers?

Good news: in most cases, yes, you can keep your current number when switching to VoIP. This process is called number porting.

In this article, we’ll cover:

  • What number porting is
  • How it works when switching to VoIP
  • Porting requirements
  • How long it takes
  • Common restrictions and limitations
  • How FSMC Business Telecom Services can help

What Is Number Porting?

Number porting is the process of transferring your existing phone number(s) from one service provider to another. Whether you’re moving from a traditional landline, a mobile plan, or another VoIP provider, porting allows you to maintain continuity with your business contacts and marketing materials.

Why Keep Your Existing Number?

Your phone number is part of your brand identity. It’s printed on business cards, listed on your website, and known by your customers. Changing it can create confusion and disruption. That’s why porting is such an important step when transitioning to a new phone system like VoIP.

How Number Porting Works for VoIP

When you sign up for VoIP services with FSMC Business Telecom Services (powered by Ooma), you’ll have the option to port your existing number. The process typically involves:

  1. Submitting a porting request with your new VoIP provider
  2. Providing required documentation, including proof of ownership
  3. Waiting for the port to be processed, during which your old service remains active
  4. Finalizing the transfer, which switches the number to your new VoIP system

Once the port is complete, all calls to your old number will route through your new VoIP provider.

Porting Requirements: What You’ll Need

To successfully port your number to a VoIP system, you’ll need to provide the following:

  • A current, active phone number: The number must be active at the time of porting. Don’t cancel your existing service before the port is complete.
  • A recent phone bill: Most providers require a copy of a recent bill to verify account details.
  • Letter of Authorization (LOA): This document gives permission to transfer your number to the new carrier.
  • Matching information: The name, address, and account number on your new VoIP service order must match what’s on file with your current provider.

FSMC will walk you through each step to ensure everything aligns correctly—avoiding common errors that cause delays.

How Long Does Number Porting Take?

The number porting timeline can vary, but here’s what to expect:

  • Standard porting usually takes 5–10 business days.
  • In some cases, ports can take up to 2–3 weeks, especially for large batches of numbers or complicated setups.
  • Expedited porting may be available, but depends on both the losing and gaining carriers.

Delays are often caused by mismatched account information, so accurate documentation is essential.

Are There Any Restrictions or Limitations?

Yes—some restrictions apply:

  1. Not all numbers are portable:
    • Some rural exchanges or older analog lines may not be eligible for porting.
    • Toll-free numbers can usually be ported, but require special handling.
  2. Geographic limitations:
    • In some cases, if you’re moving the number to a completely different geographic area (e.g., a different state), porting may not be permitted under legacy regulations. FSMC can advise you on local portability laws.
  3. Account holds or unpaid balances:
    • If your current account has unpaid balances or is locked, porting may be delayed or denied.
  4. Number ownership issues:
    • Numbers that are technically owned by a third party (e.g., hosted PBX providers) may be difficult or impossible to port unless you prove ownership.

How FSMC Business Telecom Services Makes It Easy

FSMC, in partnership with Ooma, takes the hassle out of number porting. We’ll:

  • Verify your number’s portability before you commit
  • Help you gather and submit the required documents
  • Coordinate the porting process with your current provider
  • Set up your VoIP system in advance so there’s no downtime when the number ports
  • Keep you updated every step of the way

We’re experts in business telecom transitions and handle number porting with the attention and professionalism your business deserves.

What If I Don’t Want to Wait?

If you need to start using your new VoIP system before the number ports, we’ve got solutions:

  • Temporary VoIP number: Start using your new system right away with a temporary number until the port is complete.
  • Call forwarding: Forward calls from your old number to your temporary VoIP number to avoid missing any calls during the transition.

Final Thoughts

Moving to VoIP is a powerful upgrade for your business, and keeping your phone number makes the transition seamless for your customers and team.

At FSMC Business Telecom Services, we handle the entire number porting process—from eligibility checks to final activation—so you can focus on running your business without interruption.

Have questions about number porting or switching to VoIP?


Contact FSMC Business Telecom Services today and we’ll walk you through every step, hassle-free.

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