I still remember my friends’ phone numbers from childhood. Back then, we only had landlines, with no smartphones, to store each other’s numbers.
Today, some people keep their phone numbers for sentimental reasons, while others simply want to avoid the hassle of switching.
In the business world, changing numbers can mean losing customers or wasting time. Think about all the effort required to update voicemails, advertisements, web content, business cards, and more with those new digits.
What if you’re switching to a new carrier or transitioning from a single desk phone to a new feature-rich Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) enterprise-quality system to optimize healthcare communication? You might think you’re out of luck if you want to keep the same number. Wrong.
Keeping your existing phone number—along with those of all your contacts—is possible through a process called porting. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), phone number porting can be done between wireline, IP, and wireless providers as long as you stay in the same geographic area.
Whether you need a HIPAA-compliant phone system or a robust HIPAA VoIP solution, porting your number ensures a seamless transition. This means no interruptions in communication and no lost business due to outdated contact information.
The Particulars of Phone Number Porting
The Communications Act defines number portability as keeping your phone number when switching service providers without losing quality, reliability, or convenience. You can retain your telephone number with few exceptions even if you change providers.
When you request service from a new company, your old provider must legally port your number, regardless of any outstanding balance or termination fee. This ensures that your transition is smooth and uninterrupted. Porting your number is different from forwarding a call. While call forwarding transfers calls from one number to another, porting moves your number to a new carrier. It does not automatically close the account with the previous provider, so you should move your number before closing the account and then close it after the porting process is complete. This can also include moving a number from a business class phone provider to a cell or mobile phone.
Toll-free numbers were specifically designed to be ported to encourage competition among carriers. When porting is done correctly, there should be no service interruption, ensuring you don’t miss any important calls, which is especially critical in healthcare.
Important Considerations for Porting from a Cell Phone
If you are porting a number into RingRx that is currently on a cell phone plan, there are several things you should be aware of before starting the process. Porting from a cell phone is no different than porting from any other phone carrier. However, there are a few specifics to keep in mind:
- You can port a number from a cell phone. However, your cell phone service will no longer have a number unless you get a new number from your provider to replace the one you bring to RingRx. Having a new number on your cell phone before you port the old number to RingRx is generally advisable.
- RingRx and your cell phone service are unrelated regarding phone calls and texts. If you cancel your cell phone service after your number ports to RingRx, you do not need a new phone number on your cell phone plan.
- You may cancel your cell phone service after your number ports from the cell phone company to RingRx. Contact the cell phone company for details. Do not cancel your cell phone service before the number ports to RingRx.
- RingRx plays no role in canceling your service with the cell phone company. They may or may not cancel your service when the number ports—call your cell phone company for details.
What You Need to Know About Porting Existing Numbers to RingRx
So, how easy is porting, and what does it typically cost? When you transition to RingRx, you’ll be asked to fill out a port request form and sign a Letter of Authorization as required by the FCC — we’ll handle the rest. And it’s free. RingRx does not charge for porting numbers, unlike many other companies.
Following are some frequently asked questions about the porting process:
1. How long does it take?
A port can take anywhere from one to three weeks to complete. Your number will work the entire time with no expected downtime. The difference in time depends on how quickly the old service provider responds to the request and whether the original information submitted is accurate.
2. When should I disconnect service from my previous phone provider?
Don’t disconnect the service until your number has successfully been ported. If you surrender service before it can be ported, the number will be removed from service, and it might not be possible to get it back.
3. Can I forward my existing phone number to my temporary RingRx number while the port is in process?
Yes. We recommend contacting RingRx Support first to ensure it is set up and functioning correctly. To forward to RingRx, use the 10-digit number assigned during your trial.
4. Can I port my cell phone number to RingRx?
Yes. There are some things, however, of which you should be aware before starting the process. Check out our list of what to understand when porting a number from a cell phone.
Porting your existing number to RingRx is a straightforward process that ensures you maintain consistent communication without the hassle of updating your contact information across various platforms. This seamless transition helps you avoid disruptions and retain your established connections, making it easier for you and your patients.
Want to learn more? If you have any questions about porting, please email our Port Team at ports@ringrx.com
