10 Number Porting Issues

In simple terms, number porting is a method to transfer your current number to another communication provider. There are two types of porting: local and full.

You transfer your fixed landline numbers in local number porting, whereas in full-number porting, you move a cell phone number along with its associated features.

Do not confuse number porting with call forwarding. In the first case, you change your network provider but use your same old number, and in the second case, just incoming calls are diverted to a desired phone number, regardless of the provider.

Upgraded communication systems with cost-friendly plans are a few benefits of phone number porting.

As stated earlier, porting a number is easy, and the whole process can be finished within some days, depending on the number type. However, different problems can hinder the smooth transition.

Here are some frequent issues that can delay your plan of action alongside their solution.

Mismatched information is the difference in your details between the old and new providers. Any misspelled words or mistakes in a piece of information, whether in name, address, business name, zip code, account, or business telephone number, could further delay the process or even be terminated.

Solution: Proofread a couple of times and make sure the shared information exactly matches.

Different documents, like a Letter of Authorization (LOA), billing receipts, and Customer Service Records (CSR) are required for porting a number. Even if one is missing, then the process can not move further. Plus, if there’s a missing signature on the LOA or its details differ from CSR, your request is halted.

Solution: Ensure all the necessary files are submitted and double-check them for accuracy. 

An inactive, suspended, or disconnected phone number can not be ported. There may be many reasons behind that, like you haven’t used the existing number for a while, violated some policy, or the contract with the provider has ended.

Solution: Ask the current provider the reason for suspension or disconnection and reactivate the number. 

Most carrier providers need a port-out passcode or Personal Identification Number (PIN) for verification and approval of the porting request. There are two error cases in this matter, “Passcode/PIN required” and “Passcode/PIN invalid”. The first one specifies that a passcode/PIN is not provided, and the second one implies that the provided passcode/PIN is incorrect.

Solution: Reach out to the current telecommunication provider and ask for an updated or accurate PIN. Or, the PIN is available in the current carrier’s account dashboard if you have a local US number.

Only authorized account holders can apply to port numbers. Let’s say you submitted a form for number porting but got rejected. One reason could be that the number is not registered under your name, making your signature unauthorized or invalid.

Solution: Know if the number is registered in your name or someone else’s, and confirm you are a verified user.

Several network providers have specific contract terms for users. There can be certain requirements to fulfill before being eligible for number porting. Some have time frames on how long consumers must maintain services before shifting to a new provider, while some ask to pay early termination fees.

Solution: Be clear about whether there are such requirements with your present network provider prior to starting the switching procedure.

Many telecommunication providers offer a number-locking (transfer lock) feature for their clients to avoid scamming. There are instances where third parties have switched providers without the consumer’s knowledge. Locking a number doesn’t allow it to be ported. Furthermore, some carriers lock numbers under contractual obligations.

Solution: Check if your number is locked or not beforehand, and fulfill all the contractual obligations for a seamless transition.

Some network providers (mainly in Canada) send authentication codes for verification to schedule number porting. However, users may not receive those texts on time. Well, either the number could be incorrect, the carrier’s network has some issues, or consumers have blocked SMS.

Solution: Inspect if your carrier has network issues and you haven’t activated the SMS blocking feature. Or contact your telecommunication provider and search for any alternatives, like confirmation through a call or email.

As per the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), communication providers must process the number porting request within a day. Despite that, several providers ignore the request simply because they do not want to let you switch to a different provider.

Solution: If you haven’t heard back from your current provider, follow up with them every few days and ask where the porting progress has reached. Monitor your timeline for convenience.

Let's say all your documents are proper and you followed the procedure correctly. So, if there is still a number porting issue, it could be because you haven’t cleared your old dues.

Solution: Make sure all your bills are paid, and you do not owe anything to your present provider.

Although number porting is a simple process, there are chances of multiple problems to hinder during the conversion procedure. From providing needed documents to ensuring all the details are correct, there are still many things to consider before proceeding.

Port your number with Calilio today for a smooth switching experience. Its dedicated support team not only helps throughout the operation but also answers all your questions while updating you till the end.

There can be many possibilities, like mismatched information and missing documents, causing delays in your number porting process.

No, porting number doesn’t cause any issues. However, problems can arise during the shifting process as there could be some difficulties, including technical ones.

Inactive or canceled numbers cannot be ported. Besides that, all types of numbers, like landline, mobile, and toll-free, can be ported.

As your number is required to be active, your current mobile service will work during the transition process. However, you can face a brief interruption for some minutes or hours just before completion.