VoIP is the modern replacement for traditional business telephone systems. VoIP enables voice communication over an internet connection, rather than using a traditional telephone line.
What is Number Porting?
Number porting is the process of transferring your traditional landline number to a VOIP phone system, allowing you to keep your landline number for future use. The same process applies when moving a landline number from one VOIP provider to another.
How Much Does It Cost to Port a Number to VoIP?
The cost of porting numbers varies between suppliers. Fortunately, Bytes Digital doesn’t charge for number porting. However, some suppliers may charge anywhere from £5 to £20, depending on the type of number being ported.
Which Numbers Can Be Ported to VOIP?
Most numbers can be ported to VOIP. This includes landline numbers with area codes (e.g., 0117, 01275) and non-geographic numbers such as 0800 or 0333. On rare occasions, some VOIP providers may not have agreements to port numbers between each other. Your new provider should be able to advise on alternatives in such cases.
Why Port Your Landline Number to VOIP?
Beyond the need to switch before your exchange is converted, VOIP offers a range of benefits:
Cost-effective: VOIP systems are generally more affordable than traditional lines and can be scaled easily.
Feature-rich: VOIP systems support features like options menus, voicemail, night modes, mobile apps, and more.
Customisable: Whether you need a single phone setup or a complex call centre system, VOIP can meet your needs.
Enhanced tracking: VOIP’s software-based nature provides tools for monitoring call volumes, staff performance, and other metrics.
5 Steps to Porting Your Number to VOIP
At Bytes Digital, we simplify the process of porting landline numbers to VOIP, if you're unsure and would like some guidance on number porting, speak to a member of our team.
If you're comfortable doing some of the legwork yourself, here’s what you need to do:
1. Check for broadband dependency: Ensure your number isn’t linked to a broadband connection that would be affected by porting
2. Decide your needs: Consider whether to keep your existing number for continuity or start fresh with a new one. Find out more here.
3. Keep your current account active: Numbers must be live to be ported. Don’t cancel your old service until the porting is complete.
4. Submit required documents: This includes a Customer Letter of Authority (CLOA) and potentially a copy of your invoice.
5. Account for lead times: Porting usually takes 10–14 days. Ensure information provided to your new supplier matches your current records to avoid delays.
Legal Obligations for Losing Providers
Ofcom regulations prevent losing providers from obstructing the porting process due to unpaid bills. However, you are still obligated to settle any outstanding charges after porting.
Avoiding Port Rejections
Follow these tips to avoid delays when porting your number to VoIP:
- Include all associated numbers on multiline or ISDN accounts.
- Ensure no active porting requests exist for the number.
- Provide the correct installation address.
- Confirm a porting agreement exists between suppliers.
Porting can be a little bit of a minefield. But the good news for you is that there are people like us, who can take the weight off your shoulders and sort it all in the background. If you’d like assistance with porting your number or setting up a VOIP system, contact Bytes Digital today. We’re here to help—and fair warning, we may try to sell you a phone system!
VoIP Number Porting FAQ:
What is PSTN?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a global network of interconnected, voice-oriented public telephone networks—essentially, traditional telephone lines.
What is WLR3?
Wholesale Line Rental (WLR3) is a service allowing suppliers like Bytes Digital to access PSTN infrastructure to provide services like broadband and telephony.
WLR3 and PSTN Are Being Phased Out
The PSTN and WLR3 networks have been gradually phased out since 2020. Telephone exchanges are being converted to "Fibre Only," supporting only fibre-based broadband services. This means you’ll need to port your landline numbers to a VOIP platform to continue using them.
While the initial deadline for the phase-out was the end of 2025, it has now been extended to the end of 2027. Exchanges are being converted in stages, not all at once.
How Will You Know When Your Local Exchange Is Converted?
If you haven’t moved to VOIP yet, your exchange is still supporting traditional telephone services. Openreach won’t cut off your services unexpectedly. If you find that you can’t make outbound calls, contact your provider for assistance in moving your numbers to VOIP.
