Will my telephone numbers stay the same when I switch to VoIP phone service?

Updated 11/26/24

When it comes to switching to a VoIP phone system, one of the most common concerns businesses have is whether they can keep their existing phone numbers. It’s understandable—your phone number is part of your identity.

There's a famous song by Tommy Tutone with that catchy phone number 867-5309. Because of that catchy song, everyone's got Jenny's number, but aside from everyone bobbing their head and singing along when that song comes on, it actually reinforces a great point that we deal with a lot in the VoIP industry. There's a simple line in the song "Jenny don't change your number", and there's a great reason for that.

Just like Tommy Tutone, many people get familiar with phone numbers. Whether you've been using the phone number for the entire life of your business, or it's part of your corporate branding, or it fits into a good jingle, we find that many people don't want to change their phone number.

Here’s the good news: Yes, you can absolutely keep your numbers when you switch to VoIP. Let’s break down how this process works and why switching to VoIP might be the best communication upgrade for your business.

Can I keep my phone number if I switch to a VoIP provider?

Yes! Keeping your phone number when switching to VoIP is not only possible—it’s highly recommended. VoIP providers like TeleCloud make it easy to transition your current numbers to your new system. This process, called porting, ensures your customers can continue to reach you at the numbers they know.

How Does Porting Work?

Porting your number to a VoIP provider is a straightforward process, but there are a few technical steps involved. Here’s how it works:

1. Gathering Information: To begin, you’ll need to provide your VoIP provider with:

   • A copy of your most recent phone bill.
   • A list of the phone numbers you’d like to keep.
   • A signed letter of authorization (LOA) giving permission to transfer the numbers.

2. Analyzing Your Bill: The provider will review your bill to identify:

   • The total number of lines you have.
   • What each line is used for (e.g., voice, fax, alarms).
   • Any potential early termination fees with your current carrier.

3. Submitting the Port Request: Your provider will create a Line Number Portability (LNP) case, which includes all the required information and sends it to your current carrier.

4. Timeline for Porting:

   • Porting usually takes about 10 business days.
   • You’ll receive two dates during the process:
     • Temporary Order Commitment (TOC): Your current carrier acknowledges the port request.
     • Firm Order Commitment (FOC): Your current carrier confirms the transfer date.

5. Final Transfer: On the agreed FOC date, your numbers will be ported to your new VoIP system.

Advantages of Porting Your Numbers to VoIP

Porting doesn’t just let you keep your current numbers—it also opens up new possibilities for your business.

• Flexibility with Area Codes: Want to maintain your local number but expand your reach? VoIP allows you to keep your existing area code while adding numbers from different regions. For example, you can be based in New Jersey but also have numbers in Dallas, TX, or San Francisco, CA, giving the impression of multiple office locations.

• Improved Mobility: With VoIP, your phone number isn’t tied to a specific location. If you move your office, your numbers move with you—no need to change anything.

• Scalability: Whether you’re adding new team members or expanding to new locations, VoIP makes it easy to add numbers without extra hardware or hassle.

Why VoIP is a Game-Changer for Your Business

Switching to VoIP doesn’t just mean keeping your numbers—it means upgrading your entire communication system. With VoIP, your business can:

• Enhance Customer Communication: Route calls efficiently, manage multiple lines, and ensure every customer call is answered.
• Support Remote Work: VoIP works on any device, allowing your team to stay connected from anywhere.
• Cut Costs: Eliminate expensive landline maintenance and only pay for the features you need.

What to Expect During the Porting Process

Here’s a quick overview of how the porting process works once you provide the required information:

1. Submission: Your VoIP provider submits the porting request to your current carrier.
2. Confirmation: Your current carrier verifies the request and schedules the transfer.
3. Transfer: On the scheduled date, your numbers are moved to your new system without downtime.

Keep Your Numbers, Upgrade Your System

Switching to a VoIP phone system is a smart move for businesses looking to modernize their communications. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice your existing phone numbers in the process. With a simple porting process, you can keep the numbers your customers know while gaining the flexibility and features that only VoIP can offer. Just like Tommy Tutone, you'll be sure to know that special number by heart long into the future.

At TeleCloud, we specialize in making the switch to VoIP seamless and stress-free. Let us help you transition your phone numbers and upgrade your communication system with confidence.