Porting Your Phone Number in the UK: What Every Business Should Know

Whether you’re switching telecom providers, upgrading to a smarter cloud-based system, or relocating your business, porting your existing number is key to maintaining continuity without losing the identity and trust you’ve built with customers.

But while the concept is simple, the process of number porting in the UK has a few technical steps, potential pitfalls, and important decisions along the way. That’s why working with the right telecom provider is crucial, not just to ensure your number transfers correctly, but to unlock additional value like smarter call handling, better cost control, and long-term business growth.

This guide covers everything UK businesses should know about number porting, including how a dedicated telecom provider like Phonenumbers.store can make the process smooth and stress-free.

What Is Number Porting?

Number porting allows you to transfer your existing telephone number from one service provider to another. It ensures your business can retain the number your customers already know, even as you upgrade to a better telecom service.

In the UK, you can port:

• Geographic numbers (e.g. 020, 0161, 0121)
• Non-geographic numbers (e.g. 0800, 0845, 03 numbers)
• Mobile numbers
• Virtual landline numbers

Number porting is a standard process between telephone service providers in the UK, managed by BT IPex. When you request to port the number you purchased from us to another network, we provide you with a standard set of porting details that you can simply give to your new provider. This gives them everything they need to move the number to their network.

The process usually takes 10 working days end-to-end, and any services you have on the number will work until the moment the number is moved (ported) to your new chosen network and their services will take over.  If you want to receive calls on your number whilst porting takes place, we offer a pre-porting package which is a flat £10 INC VAT for 30 days and includes all call routing to any UK landline or mobile number.

You can order this service using this link – https://phonenumbers.store/product/09999-999990/

If you have not ported your number away and still require call routing to remain in place, you will need to manually renew after 30 days.

Please note that the porting address may well differ from YOUR address – this is perfectly normal. These details are simply to port the number across to your new provider and are linked to the number and not you or your business until your new provider (the gaining operator) has the number on their platform.

We make no charges for porting numbers away from our network, so there are no hidden charges.

Please note that if you only rent a number from us, you would need to settle any outstanding bills and costs before porting your number away.

If your port fails, it is not us rejecting it – we DO NOT reject port requests.  The issue will be that BT have been unable to validate the number using the details you have given them.

If your new provider gives you an LOA to complete and you need us to do it, the charge is £25 INC VAT.

Sometimes, postcodes on BT’s systems differ from what we are given and your new provider MAY need to do a POV request to validate the correct postcode with BT.

Why Businesses Choose to Port Their Number

Many businesses’ phone numbers are tied to branding, advertising and customer trust. Porting protects all of that, while letting you take advantage of better pricing, features, and flexibility from a new telecom provider.

1. Preserve Brand Identity

Your phone number is printed on vans, cards, signage, websites, and directories. Changing it can create confusion or lost business. Porting lets you keep your number no matter what provider or platform you use.

2. Unlock Better Technology

By porting your number to a telecom provider, you can access advanced features like:

• Call recording
• Voicemail-to-email
• IVR menus
• Smart call routing

3. Save Money

Old systems or legacy contracts can cost more than necessary. Newer providers typically offer cloud-based solutions with lower fees, flexible plans, and no need for bulky on-site equipment.

4. Work From Anywhere

Once your number is ported to a cloud-based system, it can be used anywhere, on mobiles, laptops, or desktop phones. Your team stays connected across multiple locations, including remote or hybrid setups.

How Telecom Providers Support the Porting Process

The porting process involves a few technical steps, and that’s where your telecom provider becomes essential. A reliable provider doesn’t just process a request; they offer full porting project management, ensuring your business stays online, accessible, and headache-free.

Here’s how Phonenumbers.store can help:

✅ Step-by-Step Guidance

From day one, we help you:

• Confirm number eligibility
• Gather the correct documentation (PAC or LOA)
• Avoid any downtime
• Communicate timelines clearly. This avoids the delays and mistakes that can happen when businesses try to navigate the process alone.

✅ End-to-End Coordination

We handle all communications with your current supplier, from submitting port requests to resolving disputes. Monitor progress and notify you when your port is approved and scheduled.

✅ Smart Failover & Call Routing

Worried about downtime during the switch? Using a provider like Phonenumbers.store can set up temporary call routing or backup numbers to ensure your customers can still reach you during the porting window.

✅ Technical Setup & Testing

Once your number is ported, the following are tested: inbound/outbound calls, voicemail set up, call flows, and auto attendants, ensuring your new system is working perfectly.

✅ Ongoing Support & Training

After the port is complete, you’re not left to figure things out alone. You’ll receive support and onboarding assistance to help your team use the new features effectively.

How the Porting Process Works in the UK

Here’s a general overview of what happens when you port your number:

1. Check Eligibility

Your provider checks if your number is portable and confirms there are no contract issues that might block the move.

2. Submit the Porting Request

You’ll provide either a PAC code (for mobile) or complete a Letter of Authority (LOA) for landline and business numbers. This gives your new provider permission to request the number on your behalf.

3. Porting Confirmation

Your provider works with your current network to confirm the port and agree on a go-live date, typically between 5 and 10 business days for landlines and even faster for mobiles.

4. Porting Day

Your number switches to the new system. Most ports happen between 10 am and 4 pm, and a good provider will manage any hiccups quickly.

5. Post-Port Setup

After the number is active, your telecom partner will:

• Test the line
• Set up call flows and voicemail
• Activate features like recording or time-of-day routing
• Provide access to your user portal or dashboard

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Mismatched Info = Delays

An incorrect business name, address, or number type can cause delays or rejections. Choosing a telecom provider like PhoneNumbers.store ensures that all data submitted is accurate and matches your existing account.

Hidden Linked Services

If your current landline is tied to broadband, alarms, or card machines, porting it could cause disruptions. A diligent provider shall check for linked services and suggest safe workarounds, such as porting a virtual copy of the number.

Poor Planning = Missed Calls

Without a proper routing plan, calls could be missed during the port. An interim solution and clear contingency plans will need to be put in place so your business stays responsive throughout the transition.

Porting Multiple Numbers or Scaling Up?

If your business has multiple DDI lines, multiple locations, or a large team, porting becomes more complex. This is where experienced providers like Phonenumbers.store can help through offering:

• Project coordination
• Staggered porting schedules
• Technical migration planning
• Temporary routing setups
• Post-port analytics and call reporting

A single point of contact ensures your entire telecom estate is migrated without disruption.

What Happens After Porting

Once your number is ported into a modern telecom platform, your provider can help you:

• Add memorable numbers for marketing
• Create a professional call experience with menus and greetings
• Scale easily with new users, locations, or features

All of this gives your business more control and flexibility and ensures you’re not just saving money, but gaining long-term telecom value.

Final Thoughts

Porting your number in the UK is more than just a technical task, it’s a strategic move to protect your brand, streamline your operations, and unlock modern telecom features that help you grow.

With the right telecom provider, the process is fast, secure, and fully supported from start to finish. So if you’re switching providers or upgrading to VoIP, remember:

•  You can keep your number
•  You don’t have to manage it alone
•  The right provider makes all the difference

If you’re looking to port your number and modernise your business communications? Let’s talk. We’ll make it easy and stress-free.