What you need
- A recent bill showing the numbers, account details and installation address
- The name of your current provider
- A signed letter of authority for the new provider
- For ranges, the full list of numbers including any DDIs
How long it takes
Single-line geographic ports commonly take around a week to ten working days. Multi-line ports, ISDN ranges and numbers spread across several accounts take longer, often a few weeks. Non-geographic numbers such as 0800 and 03 follow their own process and timescales.
The steps
- Your new provider checks the numbers are portable.
- You sign the letter of authority.
- The new provider submits the port to your current provider.
- A port date is agreed.
- On the day, calls switch to the new service, usually in a short window.
Avoiding problems
- Do not cancel your current service before the port completes: cancelling can lose the number.
- Make sure the installation address and account holder match the bill exactly.
- Check your contract for notice periods and early termination charges.
- Schedule the port for a quiet time of the week.