How Long Does It Take To Port a Number?

Number porting is the process of transferring your existing phone number from one service provider to another. By doing so, you can enjoy all the features and services offered by the new service provider without changing your phone number. However, your phone number is no longer associated with your previous service provider after completing the process.

The time it takes to transfer a number can range from a few hours to several days. For mobile numbers, the process is generally faster compared to landline numbers.

Porting a mobile number is generally quick and fast. Most of the time, you can complete it within a few hours. Sometimes, it may also take up to one business day. The exact time frame depends on how efficient your current and new service providers are. If there is a sufficient system, they can transfer your number swiftly.

Porting a landline number takes a little more time than a mobile number. In general, it takes around three to seven business days. So, why does it usually take a longer time to port a landline number? The reason is that landlines have more complex networking systems than mobile numbers. Moreover, when you transfer your landline number, you may also need to move physical infrastructures.

Average Timeframe:
 

Besides the types of numbers you’re transferring, factors such as your current number provider, new providers, and your location of service also influence the phone number porting timeframe.

Your current provider can directly impact how quickly you can switch to the new service provider. Some provider may not allow you to port their number at all, while others may have a long process to release your number. So, if your current service providers have a short and quick process, you can transfer quickly. Otherwise, the process is typically slow.

Your new carrier also plays a crucial role in determining the total time period. For instance, some providers may only require you to provide the basic details to make a request, while others may require additional information and follow additional steps.

The place you live or the place your service provider is in also affects how long it will take to port your number. The urban regions have developed telecom infrastructure, so the total porting hours here are lower compared to the remote regions. Additionally, when you are required to port on other states or regions, it typically involves more process and verification. This also increases the total time required for porting.

Most telephone carriers have a lengthy and complex porting process, which makes it time-consuming to port a number.

Here are some other factors that cause delays in porting your number:

Inadequate Documents: To port your number, your carrier will collect various information, such as your account number, PIN, and personal details. If you are not able to provide any of these details, then your porting request can be delayed or even rejected.

High Volume of Porting Request: The porting also takes time when there are many customers in the queue. This situation often occurs during promotional periods when customers are looking to switch to new offers. This immediate increase in the requests can slow down the process for your current as well as the new providers.

Port Rejection: Many times, the service providers may also reject your porting request. The common reasons include mismatched information, unpaid bills, and contract obligations with your previous providers. When there is a rejection, you will need to correct the issues and resubmit the request, which may require a lot of time.

Category C Number Porting: The regular number is often quick. But, if you have Category C numbers, such as your business numbers with VoIP features like forwarding, voicemail setup, or number sharing, then be prepared to wait a bit longer.

To speed up the number porting process, keep all your documents ready, clear any outstanding bills, and inform your current and new providers in advance.

Here are some useful tips to get your number transferred quickly:

 Keep Your Documents Ready: Even before applying for porting, have all your documents ready. Also, make sure that there are no errors in the documents. Remember, even a small spelling mistake can create trouble.

Here are the common documents that you would require:
 

• Account number from your current provider.
• PIN or password for your account.
• The billing address associated with the account.
• Personal identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
• Authorization letter (if porting a business number).
   

Notify Both Providers in Advance: Inform both your current and new service providers about your intention to port your number in advance. By doing so, they can arrange all the necessary resources to respond to your request. Also, you can get pre-information on what documents you will require and help yourself prepare.

Clear Any Outstanding Bills: Unpaid bills or unresolved issues can lead to porting rejections. Make sure that you have settled all your bills with the current provider and that your account is permitted to transit.

Follow Up Regularly: After requesting the transfer, regularly contact the service providers to track the status of porting. As such, you can help address any issue that may arise during the process.

Number porting allows you to continue using your old phone number even if you switch to the new provider. The answer to “How long does it take to port a number?” depends on your number type and telephone carrier. Typically, it can take from a few hours to several days. Most providers take a maximum of two weeks to complete the process.

If you’re considering porting the number for better service or additional features, choose Calilio, an advanced VoIP phone system. We port your number within a week (depending on number type and country) to facilitate the instant switch. Port your number on Calilio today.

The porting process is often completed within 24 hours, especially with mobile numbers. However, it can sometimes take a longer time depending on several factors like your number type, accuracy of provided information, or policy of the service providers.

Number porting will take some time. However, some providers can process mobile number porting requests within a few hours.

Yes, you can transfer your landline number to a VoIP service. Calilio offers to transfer your landline number to advanced VoIP within a week.

Yes, you can use your phone while your number is being ported. The service providers often allow you to use your phone as you were using them previously.

The normal porting time varies depending on the type of number. For mobile numbers, it usually takes a few hours to one business day. For landline numbers, the process typically takes three to seven business days.

Yes, once your number has been successfully ported to the new provider, your service with the old provider is canceled.