Number Porting Process
Number porting is the process of moving an existing telephone number from one service provider to another.
We can port a ‘Single Line’ number which is typically an analogue phone line or ‘Multi Line’ which is a main number with a DDI range. We can also port Non-Geographic numbers (NGN) e.g. 0845, 0800, 0870 as well as international numbers – please see separate guides.
Porting Timelines & Expectations
The time it takes to transfer numbers depends on the type of line, who currently holds the range, and the current provider. Generally, you can expect the following:
- Single-Line Ports: Typically take 7 days once the port has been accepted by all parties.
- Standard Multi-Line Ports (Up to 100 numbers): Usually take about 14 days.
- Complex Multi-Line Ports: If you have a high volume of numbers or are porting from multiple different providers, the process will naturally take longer.
Common Delays
The most frequent cause of a "delayed" port is incorrect data. If details like the postcode do not match the current provider's records exactly, the process can be significantly delayed. In some cases, we may need to request a Pre-Order Validation (POV). A signed Letter of Authority from the customer will be required to action this - please see the guide here – https://docs.uboss.com/docs/porting-letter-of-authority-guide
Please note, if we submit a port request after 1pm, this will extend the lead time by one day.
A Note on DDI Ranges
It is important to remember that DDI (Direct Dial Inward) ranges must stay together. You cannot "cherry-pick" individual numbers to move; the entire range must be ported as a single unit.
Single Line (Auto-Postpone) Ports
We also support Single Line Auto-Postpone ports. This specific process is designed for instances where a telephone number is currently tied to a broadband service that is being upgraded to a SoGEA or FTTP (full fibre) circuit.
In these cases:
- The broadband no longer requires an underlying analogue line to function.
- The existing telephone number is still needed and must be moved to a VoIP/IP-based service.
To ensure a smooth transition without service interruption, please note the standard lead time is 7 days and you should submit the port request only once the broadband upgrade has a confirmed and accepted conversion date.
Auto Postpone ports must be triggered within 6 days of the accepted Customer Required Date (CRD) or it will time out and be automatically cancelled.
The SoGEA/FTTP's confirmed date must match the CRD of the port.
Raising the Port Request
To initiate a number port, you will need the following information: -
- Single line or Multi Line
- The main billing number (MBN)
- The full address and post code registered against the MBN
- If multi-line, then any associated or other numbers
Once you have this information you will need to raise a port request on Uboss – please see the guide here - https://docs.uboss.com/docs/adding-a-number-port-request
You will receive an update once the port has been accepted and the relevant telephone numbers will also be added to the customer’s number pool.
Once a port has been accepted, you can change the date up to three times as long as you give a clear 2 full working days' notice. However, you can only push the date back, you cannot bring it forward. If you need to change it a fourth time, you will need to cancel the port request and re-raise a new one.
A port can also be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to the day before the port is scheduled, it will then go into lockdown and cannot be cancelled or amended.
The number port process will usually commence at 10am on the specified day. There should be no downtime but if the port involves a complex multi-line, then there may be a short outage of up to 30 minutes. At this point all the IP phones need to have been deployed and when the port has completed calls will start coming into the Hosted system. You will also receive notification that the port has been completed.