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Porting Existing Numbers

Bring your existing business phone number to Voka AI! This guide walks you through the number porting process step-by-step.

What is Number Porting?​

Number porting (also called number transfer) moves your existing phone number from your current provider to Voka AI.

Before Porting​

Your current setup:

Your business number (555-123-4567)
  ↓
Rings to: Your current carrier (AT&T, Verizon, RingCentral, etc.)
  ↓
You forward to Voka AI number (if using call forwarding)

After porting:

Your business number (555-123-4567)
  ↓
Rings directly to: Voka AI
  ↓
Your AI assistant answers

Why Port Your Number?​

Keep Your Identity​

✅ Same number customers know

  • No need to update website, business cards, or marketing
  • Customers continue calling the same number
  • No confusion or lost business

✅ Established presence

  • Keep your Google Business Profile number
  • Maintain your published contact info
  • Preserve years of brand recognition

Save Money​

✅ Eliminate call forwarding fees

  • Many carriers charge per-minute forwarding costs
  • Can add up to $50-200/month for busy businesses
  • Porting eliminates this entirely

✅ Consolidate billing

  • One bill instead of two
  • Simpler accounting
  • Easier to track costs

Simplify Setup​

✅ Direct routing

  • No need to manage call forwarding
  • No daily on/off switching
  • Set it and forget it

✅ Better reliability

  • Fewer points of failure
  • No forwarding delays
  • Clearer call quality

What Numbers Can Be Ported?​

✅ Usually Portable​

These number types can typically be ported to Voka AI:

  • Local phone numbers - Regular landline or mobile numbers
  • Toll-free numbers - 1-800, 1-888, 1-877, 1-866, etc.
  • Mobile numbers - Cell phone numbers (with restrictions)
  • VoIP numbers - From providers like RingCentral, Grasshopper, Google Voice

❌ Cannot Be Ported​

These typically cannot be ported:

  • Numbers under contract - Must wait for contract to end
  • Numbers with outstanding bills - Pay balance first
  • Shared/pooled numbers - Multi-line business systems may have restrictions
  • Very recent numbers - Some carriers require 30-day hold before porting

Special Cases​

Wireless numbers (cell phones):

  • Can be ported BUT you'll lose mobile service on that device
  • Only port if you're using this as a dedicated business line
  • Consider forwarding instead if you need the mobile functionality

Toll-free numbers:

  • Require additional documentation
  • May take longer (7-14 business days vs 3-7)
  • Monthly fees may be higher

Before You Start: Requirements​

Information You'll Need​

Gather this information from your current carrier BEFORE starting:

Required details:

  • ✅ Current phone number (exactly as it appears on your bill)
  • ✅ Account number with current carrier
  • ✅ PIN/Passcode (if your carrier uses one)
  • ✅ Billing name (exactly as it appears on bill)
  • ✅ Service address (address associated with the number)
  • ✅ Authorized user name (person authorized to make account changes)

Where to find this:

  • Check your most recent phone bill
  • Log into your carrier's online portal
  • Call your carrier's customer service
Get This Right!

Incorrect information will cause your port to fail and delay the process by weeks. Double-check everything!

Port Authorization Letter (Sometimes Required)​

For business accounts or toll-free numbers, you may need:

  • Letter of Authorization (LOA) - Written permission to port
  • Business verification documents - Proof of business ownership
  • Tax ID or EIN - For business accounts

Voka AI will provide templates if needed.

The Porting Process​

Timeline Overview​

Typical timeline:

  • Local numbers: 3-7 business days
  • Toll-free numbers: 7-14 business days
  • Wireless numbers: 3-5 business days

Steps:

  1. Submit port request (Day 1)
  2. Voka AI submits to carrier (Day 1-2)
  3. Current carrier reviews (Day 2-5)
  4. Port date scheduled (Day 3-7)
  5. Number transfers (scheduled date)
  6. Activate on Voka AI (same day)
No Downtime

When done correctly, your number switches from old carrier to Voka AI with ZERO downtime - usually happens in minutes!

Step-by-Step: How to Port​

Step 1: Prepare Your Voka AI Account​

Before requesting a port:

  1. Sign up for Voka AI if you haven't already
  2. Create your AI assistant and configure it
  3. Test with a temporary number to ensure everything works
  4. Have a backup plan ready (just in case)
Test First!

Don't port until you've tested your assistant with a temporary Voka AI number and confirmed it works perfectly.

Step 2: Initiate the Port Request​

  1. Log in to voice.vokaai.com
  2. Go to Phone Numbers
  3. Click "Port a Number" button
Screenshot Needed

Screenshot ID: PORT-001 Filename: PORT-001_port-number-button.png Description: Phone Numbers page highlighting the "Port a Number" button Status: 🔴 Not started

Step 3: Enter Number Details​

You'll see a porting request form. Fill it out carefully:

Number to Port:

  • Enter the full phone number (e.g., +1 555-123-4567)
  • Include country code and area code

Current Carrier:

  • Select from dropdown (AT&T, Verizon, RingCentral, etc.)
  • Or select "Other" and type the name

Account Information:

  • Account number with current carrier
  • PIN/Passcode (if applicable)
  • Billing telephone number (if different)

Billing Information:

  • Name exactly as it appears on bill
  • Service address exactly as it appears on bill
  • Authorized user name

Business Information (if applicable):

  • Business name
  • Tax ID or EIN
  • Business address
Exact Matches Required

Information must match your current carrier's records EXACTLY. Even small differences (like "St" vs "Street") can cause rejection.

Screenshot Needed

Screenshot ID: PORT-002 Filename: PORT-002_port-request-form.png Description: Port request form showing all required fields Status: 🔴 Not started

Step 4: Upload Documents (If Required)​

For business numbers or toll-free, you may need to upload:

  • Most recent phone bill (PDF, image)
  • Letter of Authorization (LOA) - We'll provide template
  • Business license or proof of business
  • Government ID of authorized user

File requirements:

  • Formats: PDF, JPG, PNG
  • Max size: 10 MB per file
  • Clear and legible

Step 5: Review and Submit​

  1. Review all information carefully
  2. Confirm your understanding:
    • Current service will end when port completes
    • Process takes 3-7+ business days
    • You cannot cancel once carrier approves
  3. Check the box to agree to terms
  4. Submit your port request

Step 6: Wait for Confirmation​

Within 24 hours:

  • Voka AI reviews your request
  • We'll contact you if anything is missing or incorrect
  • We submit to your current carrier

You'll receive email updates:

  • ✅ "Port request received"
  • ✅ "Port request submitted to carrier"
  • ✅ "Carrier approved port"
  • ✅ "Port date scheduled"
  • ✅ "Port completed"

Step 7: Port Date Notification​

Once approved, you'll get:

Port Date Notice:

  • Exact date and time of port
  • Usually 2-5 days after carrier approval
  • Often happens during early morning hours

What to do:

  • Mark your calendar
  • Don't cancel service with old carrier (this happens automatically)
  • Be ready to test your number immediately after port

Step 8: Port Day​

On the scheduled date:

  1. Your number transfers - Usually takes 15-60 minutes
  2. Old carrier service ends - Automatically disconnected
  3. Voka AI service starts - Number now rings to your assistant
  4. You receive confirmation email

Immediately after:

  • ✅ Test by calling your number
  • ✅ Verify your assistant answers
  • ✅ Check call quality
  • ✅ Review call logs in dashboard
What If It Doesn't Work?

If your number doesn't work immediately after the port, don't panic! Sometimes DNS propagation takes a few hours. Contact support if issues persist beyond 2 hours.

During the Port: Do's and Don'ts​

✅ DO:​

  • Keep your current service active - Don't cancel until port is complete
  • Pay your current carrier's bill - Outstanding balance can block port
  • Respond to requests quickly - If we need additional info
  • Test your Voka AI assistant - Make sure it's configured perfectly
  • Communicate with customers - Let them know if there might be brief disruption

❌ DON'T:​

  • Don't cancel with current carrier - This kills the port!
  • Don't change account details - No address changes, name changes, etc.
  • Don't port multiple numbers simultaneously - Do them one at a time
  • Don't change your Voka AI assistant - Keep it stable during port
  • Don't make changes to current phone service - No plan changes, no add-ons
This Will Kill Your Port

Canceling service with your current carrier before the port completes will CANCEL the port and you'll lose the number!

After Your Port Completes​

Immediate Actions​

1. Test Everything

  • Call your number from multiple phones
  • Test voicemail (if configured)
  • Verify assistant answers correctly
  • Check call quality

2. Verify in Dashboard

  • Go to Phone Numbers in Voka AI
  • Confirm your ported number shows as "Active"
  • Verify it's assigned to correct assistant
  • Check monthly cost

3. Update Your Records

  • Note the port completion date
  • Save any confirmation emails
  • Update internal documentation

Cancel Old Services​

After successful port:

You can now safely cancel:

  • ✅ Old carrier account (number is already gone)
  • ✅ Any call forwarding services
  • ✅ Backup numbers if no longer needed

Before canceling:

  • Ensure port is 100% complete and working
  • Wait at least 24-48 hours
  • Save all final bills for records

Monitor for Issues​

First week after port:

  • Check call logs daily
  • Review call quality
  • Watch for any strange behavior
  • Test from different numbers

Common post-port issues:

  • Some carriers take time to update routing (resolved within 24-48 hours)
  • International callers may see delays (DNS propagation)
  • Rare edge cases with certain carriers

Troubleshooting Port Issues​

Port Request Rejected​

Common reasons:

1. Information mismatch

  • Billing name doesn't match
  • Address doesn't match
  • Account number incorrect

Fix: Update with exact information from your carrier and resubmit

2. Account restrictions

  • Number under contract
  • Unpaid balance
  • Recent number (< 30 days old)

Fix: Resolve with current carrier first, then retry port

3. Unauthorized request

  • Not account holder
  • Missing authorization
  • Wrong PIN/passcode

Fix: Get proper authorization or correct credentials

Port Is Taking Too Long​

If your port exceeds normal timeframe:

Week 1: Normal processing time, be patient

Week 2:

  • Check email for requests for additional info
  • Contact Voka AI support for status update
  • We can contact carrier to expedite

Week 3+:

  • Something is wrong
  • Contact support immediately
  • May need to escalate with carrier

Port Completed but Number Doesn't Work​

Immediate checks:

  1. Wait 2 hours - DNS propagation
  2. Test from different phones - May work for some, not others initially
  3. Check assignment - Verify number is assigned to assistant
  4. Check assistant status - Must be "Active"

If still not working:

  • Contact support immediately
  • Have your number and port date ready
  • We can investigate routing issues

Number Working Intermittently​

Symptoms:

  • Some calls work, others don't
  • Works from some phones but not others
  • Works sometimes but not always

Likely cause:

  • Carrier routing tables updating
  • Takes 24-48 hours to fully propagate
  • Should resolve automatically

What to do:

  • Monitor for 48 hours
  • Document which calls work and which don't
  • If no improvement after 48 hours, contact support

Special Porting Scenarios​

Porting Multiple Numbers​

Best practice:

  • Port one number at a time
  • Wait for first to complete successfully
  • Then port the next

Exception:

  • If porting from same carrier account
  • We can sometimes port multiple simultaneously
  • Contact support to discuss

Porting Toll-Free Numbers​

Additional requirements:

  • Toll-free numbers require extra documentation
  • Respect Organization ID (RespOrg) must be transferred
  • Takes 7-14 business days (longer than local)
  • May require Letter of Authorization

Process:

  1. Submit port request as normal
  2. We'll provide toll-free specific forms
  3. Submit additional documentation
  4. Wait for RespOrg transfer approval
  5. Port completes on scheduled date

Porting from Google Voice​

Special considerations:

  • Google Voice porting can be tricky
  • Must unlock number for porting ($3 fee to Google)
  • Process can take 7-10 business days

Steps:

  1. In Google Voice, request "unlock for porting"
  2. Pay Google's $3 porting fee
  3. Wait for unlock confirmation
  4. Then submit port request to Voka AI
  5. Use Google account credentials as "carrier info"

Learn more: Google Voice porting support

Porting from VoIP Providers​

Common VoIP providers:

  • RingCentral
  • Vonage
  • Grasshopper
  • 8x8
  • Nextiva

Typical process:

  • Easier than landline porting
  • Usually 3-5 business days
  • May require account number from provider
  • Check if under contract

Tip: Log into your provider's portal to find your account number and service details.

Costs and Fees​

Voka AI Porting Fees​

Port-in fee:

  • Local numbers: Typically $0-5 per number
  • Toll-free numbers: $10-20 per number
  • Check current pricing at Billing

Monthly fees after port:

  • Same as regular Voka AI numbers
  • Local: $1-5/month
  • Toll-free: $2-10/month

Current Carrier Fees​

Your current carrier may charge:

  • ❌ Early termination fee - If under contract
  • ❌ Port-out fee - Some carriers charge to release numbers
  • ❌ Final bill - Pro-rated for service until port date

Check with your carrier for their specific fees.

Save Money

Some carriers waive fees if you're porting due to poor service or other legitimate reasons. It doesn't hurt to ask!

Frequently Asked Questions​

How long does porting take?​

Typical timelines:

  • Local numbers: 3-7 business days
  • Toll-free: 7-14 business days
  • Wireless: 3-5 business days
  • VoIP: 3-7 business days

Will I lose my number if the port fails?​

No! If a port fails or is rejected:

  • Your number stays with your current carrier
  • Service continues uninterrupted
  • You can fix issues and retry

Can I cancel a port in progress?​

Before carrier approval: Yes, contact support immediately

After carrier approval: Very difficult, may not be possible

After scheduled port date: No, cannot cancel

What happens to my old carrier account?​

Automatically:

  • Service for ported number ends
  • Number is removed from your account
  • You may still have other services/numbers

You must manually:

  • Cancel the account if you have no other services
  • Pay final bill
  • Return equipment if applicable

Can I keep my current carrier for other services?​

Yes! Porting only affects the specific number being ported. Other services remain active.

Do I need to tell my current carrier?​

No! Do NOT contact your current carrier to "cancel" or "release" the number.

The port process handles this automatically. Contacting them may cause problems.

Will my business experience downtime?​

When done correctly: Zero downtime!

The switch happens in 15-60 minutes during the scheduled port window, often in early morning hours.

Best practice:

  • Port during low-call times if possible
  • Have backup contact method ready just in case

Can I port a number that's being forwarded?​

Yes! But turn off call forwarding before port date to avoid issues.

Getting Help with Porting​

Before You Start​

Questions about porting?

  • Read this guide completely
  • Check your carrier's porting documentation
  • Contact support with specific questions

During the Port​

Need assistance?

  • Check email for status updates
  • Look for requests for additional information
  • Contact support if status seems stuck

Emergency port issues:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Include: Phone number, port date, current carrier
  • Response within 4-24 hours

After the Port​

Something not working?

Porting Checklist​

Use this checklist to ensure a smooth port:

Pre-Port​

  • Gathered account number from current carrier
  • Have PIN/passcode (if applicable)
  • Confirmed billing name and address
  • Checked for contracts or early termination fees
  • Paid any outstanding balances
  • Tested Voka AI with temporary number
  • Configured AI assistant perfectly
  • Notified team/customers of potential brief disruption

During Port​

  • Submitted accurate port request
  • Uploaded required documents
  • Responded to any information requests promptly
  • Did NOT cancel service with current carrier
  • Did NOT make changes to account
  • Monitored email for updates

Post-Port​

  • Tested number immediately after port
  • Verified assistant answers correctly
  • Checked call quality
  • Confirmed number shows as "Active" in dashboard
  • Monitored calls for 24-48 hours
  • Cancelled old carrier account (after 48 hours)
  • Updated internal documentation

Ready to Port?​

Make sure you've:

  1. ✅ Tested Voka AI with temporary number
  2. ✅ Configured your assistant perfectly
  3. ✅ Gathered all required information
  4. ✅ Read this guide completely
  5. ✅ Understand the timeline and process

Then:

  • Log in to voice.vokaai.com
  • Go to Phone Numbers
  • Click "Port a Number"
  • Follow the step-by-step process

Need Help?​