Introduction
In this webinar, we provide an overview of the number porting process on the Flowroute platform. We are joined by Jonathan Santana, Sales Manager, and Sylas Aldridge, Local Number Porting Manager.
Key points in this webinar include:
Basics of number porting
Overview of the number porting process with Flowroute
Necessary information required for initiating ports
How to avoid port rejections
Porting time frames
Post port expectations
Demo of the porting form and submission process
If you're a new Flowroute partner, SIP customer, MSP, or just looking to improve your knowledge, this webinar is key for understanding the porting landscape.
The main takeaways are summarized below for you to follow along with the video presentation.
Number Porting Basics
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 enabled full local number portability. This allows you to keep your existing phone number and is ideal for businesses which have vested phone numbers in their infrastructure and identity.
Number port requests can be initiated from the Flowroute portal, which is covered more later in this presentation.
Number porting works by assigning a new LRN. It tells us to direct calls through the new carrier network.
All carriers must ALLOW portability, but there are sometimes limitations that can mean a number is not portable. Geographic reasons, No Interconnection Agreement (ICA), Trading Partner Agreement (TPA).
Porting Process Overview
Client submits port request > Processing > Carrier pending > Approve/Rejection > FOC > Port completion.
Prior to submitting a port, you can check the portability of your number in the manage portal. Flowroute is able to accommodate most ports.
Porting Requirements
Collecting all required information and documents is key to a successful port.
Letter of Agency/Authorization (LOA) must be completed and signed within the last 30 days. For toll free numbers, physical signatures often required.
Bill Copy – Most recent invoice.
CSR (Customer Service Record) - Not required, but very helpful for confirming account details from the losing carrier when submitting the port request.
Confirm you have the correct:
Account number
Business name
Business address
Authorized signer
PIN
How to Avoid Rejections
Information in the port request submission has to be accurate.
Customer must understand whether they are conducting a Full Port versus Partial Port. In the case of a partial port, the customer must provide a new Billing Telephone Number (BTN) for the numbers that are not porting for the losing carrier.
Features or services that can cause rejections include numbers being part of hunt/ring groups or numbers tied to security services (which are guarded for accidental/unauthorized port outs).
Do not make any changes to the losing account during the porting process. For example, do not open multiple port requests at once for the same losing carrier, do not close your account with the losing carrier, etc.
Some carriers automatically apply PINs to accounts, which customers may not always be aware of. This requires due diligence by the customer to confirm all information from the losing carrier.
Know your carrier’s rules. Sometimes you may need to port numbers by specific groupings or other special conditions may apply.
Porting Time Frames
Flowroute requests the earliest port date available.
Most standard ports take 7-15 business days. It is possible for ports to process through faster, but this is not guaranteed.
Project ports can take 3-4 weeks on average.
Expedited ports are typically not possible unless the number is out of service and is used for a medical facility, or is used for emergency services. Additional fees typically come with expedited ports.
Following submission of the successful port order, a Firm Order Commit (FOC) will be issued for the customer. This confirms exactly when the port will occur. Any modifications to the port may result in risks or delays. Rescheduling a FOC is difficult, and in some cases, may not be accommodated when requested within 48 hours of the scheduled port FOC.
Post Port
Losing carrier translations are typically removed within 24 hours. If this occurs where calls are still routing through the old carrier, the customer must contact the losing carrier to request the old translations be removed. If issues continue past 24 hours, please contact the Technical Support team for assistance.
Portal View for Port Orders
Customers can initiate or view port requests by logging into the Flowroute manage portal and navigating the following menus: DIDs > Port Orders.
Number portability can also be checked in this section before initiating a port request, saving time.
IMPORTANT: Ensure you click “Submit for Approval” to digitally sign the port for approval.