Number porting is the process of transferring an existing phone number from one telecom provider to another, so you can continue using the same numbers without disruption. This is especially helpful for businesses that have already established brand recognition or customer reach and familiarity with their existing numbers.

Zoho Voice supports porting for various types of numbers—local, personal, and toll-free. Please note that porting is only allowed within the same number type. For example, a local number can only be ported as a local number. Changing the type of number during the porting process is not permitted. 

Number porting is completely based on the regulations of your country and carrier. This involves verification of documents and configuration changes on the provider’s end.

Zoho Voice offers free number porting. However, standard call charges will apply after the porting is complete, based on the carrier and your Zoho Voice subscription plan.

After porting, your phone number benefits from all the features of Zoho Voice, including call routing, call configurations, IVR, call recording, analytics, and integrations with Zoho CRM, Desk, and other tools.

Documents required for number  porting

To complete your number porting, the following documents/details are used:

• LOA (Letter of Authorization): LOA is a legal document that gives a new service provider or carrier permission to transfer a phone number. It authorizes the new provider to act on behalf of the signer when moving phone numbers. This document includes all the necessary details about the phone numbers and to complete the transfer smoothly from your old telecom provider to our new provider.

• Invoice: Invoice of your number purchase from your previous provider. This verifies your ownership of the number.

• PIN: You might need to submit the PIN for the number that is to be ported.

Note: LOA and Invoice are mandatory documents. Additional documents may be required depending on the country that you are trying to port.  

Steps involved in number porting

To transfer number from your existing provider to Zoho Voice :

• Submit the Request Form: Fill out the porting request form and submit it.

 Note: This request form is only for US DC.

• Feasibility Test: Once you submit the form, our support team will review the details and send them to our provider to check the feasibility of porting your number. 
  

Note: Do not cancel your subscription with your current provider until it is completely ported. You need to keep ownership of that number until the transfer is completed.

• LOA (Letter of Authorization): If your number can be ported to Zoho Voice, we’ll send you a LOA. Fill it out and send it back to us. This confirms your request, at which point we’ll initiate the porting process with our carrier.

Note: LOA template might vary by region and some countries require a local address proof document.

• Porting Confirmation & Configuration: Once the porting date is scheduled, we will inform you. The phone numbers will be added prior to this in Zoho Voice. You can configure the settings such as IVR, Incoming and outgoing call in advance.

Note: The estimated time for porting may vary by region.