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MigrationMay 6, 20266 min read
Porting Your Phone Number to VoIP: Timeline, Steps, and Pitfalls
Quick Answer
Submit a Letter of Authorization (LOA) plus a recent bill from your current carrier. The new provider files the port; FCC rules guarantee portability. Most US business numbers complete in 7-14 business days. Service stays active on the old carrier until the cutover window — no missed calls.
What you need to submit
A clean port packet prevents 90% of delays.
- Signed LOA matching the exact account name on file
- A copy of a recent bill (not statement) showing account number and service address
- List of numbers to port (main + DIDs)
- Authorized signer contact info
Realistic timeline
Days are business days unless noted.
- Day 0: LOA submitted
- Days 1-3: New carrier validates and files with old carrier
- Days 3-10: Old carrier accepts or rejects (with reason)
- Days 10-14: Cutover window scheduled — usually a 2-hour window
Top reasons ports fail
Almost every rejection is administrative, not technical.
- Account name mismatch — the LOA name must match the bill exactly
- Address mismatch — old service address vs. billing address
- Pending change on the account — close any open tickets first
- PIN required — some wireless carriers need a transfer PIN
Frequently Asked Questions
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