VoIP Numbers: Can I Keep My Number When Switching to VoIP?

Transmissions using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) started in 1973. But it became more widely available in 1995. VoIP is now a popular choice for businesses. It allows for multiple calls, making conference calls easier. The system is also cost effective and easy to use. With the rise of 5G and remote working, more businesses […]

Transmissions using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) started in 1973. But it became more widely available in 1995.

VoIP is now a popular choice for businesses. It allows for multiple calls, making conference calls easier. The system is also cost effective and easy to use.

With the rise of 5G and remote working, more businesses are investigating VoIP technology. But working with VoIP numbers raises new questions.

One of the most common questions is about phone numbers. Can you transfer an existing phone number to a VoIP system? Read on to find out.

Why Would I Want to Keep My Number?

Customers and other companies know your number. It takes time and effort to update everyone with a new number.

Your existing number is printed on your marketing materials and it costs a lot to get new ones made.

If your number is easy to remember, you don’t want to change it to something else.

But when you switch to a VoIP system, you’re changing provider – which implies you need to change your number.

Thankfully, in most cases, you can keep your old number.

Take VoIP Numbers with You

Ofcom have powers to ensure that VoIP providers have to port phone numbers from landlines.

That said, some VoIP providers charge a fee to port your existing number to their service. That might be a one-off payment. Or they may charge you a monthly fee while you continue to use the number.

Some VoIP providers might link features to their phone number. As a new customer, you get those features free. But if you don’t use the assigned number, you might not get the features.

Check with your new provider how they handle these cases.

When Can’t I Take My Number with Me?

Many people want to change their service to access the benefits of VoIP. In this case, there is no problem in keeping your old number.

That applies if you’re moving across area codes or even to another country. Your customers need never know that you’ve changed location just from the phone number.

In the UK, the biggest problems around porting your number actually relate to other phone services.

If you have telephone or Broadband services on the line, you can end up cancelling these by accident when you port the number. Make sure you’re out of contract first so the old provider doesn’t serve you an early cancellation fee.

If your provider does cause problems about porting the number, raise a complaint with Ofcom.

Prepare for the Move

Now you know that VoIP numbers can work with your existing phone numbers. Just make sure you’re not moving out of an area code so you can take your number with you.

Don’t cancel your service with your provider until you’ve arranged to port your number with your VoIP provider. This means your new provider can get your account details from your current provider, making porting much faster.

We handle the porting process for you to remove the headache. If you’re looking to make the switch to VoIP, why not talk to us today?

VoIP numbers