What Is Porting in Telecom?

A Guide to Phone Number Porting and Common Pitfalls

Understanding Porting in Telecom

In today’s connected world, our phone numbers are part of our identity—both personally and professionally. Phone numbers are how customers reach us, how colleagues collaborate, and how businesses grow.

So, what happens when you want to switch telecom providers? That’s where porting in telecom comes in. Porting allows you to move your phone number from one service provider to another without losing it. Although it sounds simple, this process includes multiple steps—and possible challenges.

What Is Number Porting?

Porting refers to transferring a phone number from one telecom carrier to another. While your number might be hosted by providers like Telus, Rogers, or Bell, it legally belongs to you. A licensed local carrier, often called a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC), manages the number.

Changing providers can offer better pricing, improved features, or more flexible service packages. However, not all features are available across all carriers, and porting your number involves planning and coordination.

How Porting Works: The Process Explained

Porting a number generally follows these five steps:

1
Customer Request
You initiate the port by asking your new provider (also known as the winning carrier) to transfer your number. This request includes your account details and all telephone numbers involved.
2
Verification
The new carrier verifies your identity and confirms that you're authorized to move the number.
3
Porting Submission
The winning carrier submits the porting request to your current provider (losing carrier), asking them to release the number(s).
4
Validation
The current provider checks for account mismatches, outstanding payments, or active contracts that could block the transfer.
5
Number Activation
If approved, your number is moved to the new provider. Calls and features then run on the new network.

Real-World Example: ABC Company

Imagine ABC Company, which uses a main reception line (Pilot Number) tied to dozens of secondary lines. If the company ports the Pilot Number but forgets to include these linked lines, they become stranded numbers—inactive lines that still incur charges or block services.

Over time, ABC upgraded to a digital PRI system supporting 23 concurrent calls and added 50 Direct-In-Dial (DID) numbers. These numbers bypass the receptionist and route calls directly to individuals. When porting, all DID numbers must be accounted for. Failing to do so can result in rejection of the port request.

Common Problems with Number Porting

Here are some of the most frequent issues you may encounter:

1. Incorrect Account Information

Typos or mismatches in business name, account number, or address can delay or reject a port request.

2. Outstanding Bills or Contracts

If you owe money or are under contract, the port may be denied until the balance is cleared or penalties are paid.

3. Port-Out Fraud

Scammers can attempt to hijack your number during the porting process. Carriers now require stronger verification steps to prevent fraud.

4. Temporary Service Disruption

During the porting window, there may be downtime. Poor coordination between providers can lead to voicemail loss or incomplete feature migration.

5. Geographic and Carrier Limitations

Some numbers can’t be ported due to rural location restrictions or carrier incompatibility—especially with legacy systems.

6. Delayed Porting

While most ports are completed in under 10 business days, complex setups or incomplete documentation can extend timelines.

7. Loss of Features

Not all services transfer with your number. Features like voicemail, call routing, or bundled Internet may need to be reconfigured.

How to Avoid Porting Issues

To ensure a smooth number porting process:

  • Double-check account names, addresses, and listed phone numbers.

  • Pay off any outstanding balances and confirm contract end dates.

  • Coordinate with both carriers to avoid gaps in service.

  • Include all DID numbers—even unused or inactive ones—to prevent stranding.

  • Clarify which features will and won’t carry over with the new provider.

Why Porting Matters

Your phone number is often the front door to your business. Losing it—or experiencing service issues—can cost sales and customer trust. Porting lets you retain your identity while improving service and reducing costs.

When your current provider is too expensive or lacks modern features like VoIP or video calling, porting gives you control. But only if you follow the right process.

Work with Trusted Experts

At Ashar Communications, we help you avoid costly porting mistakes. We work directly with major Canadian carriers to coordinate smooth transitions—without downtime or stranded lines. Whether you’re moving a single line or hundreds of DID numbers, we’ll make sure it’s done right.

Your Phone Number. Your Identity. Your Choice.

Switching providers doesn’t mean losing your connection. With a proper porting strategy, you can keep your number, access better features, and build a stronger business.

Need help porting your telecom services? Contact Ashar Communications for expert support and peace of mind.

Gregory Muirhead
Ashar Communications
(604) 227-8181
June 24, 2025