Good news for anyone worried about losing their phone number when switching to VoIP – they can keep it. Number portability laws protect consumers’ rights to take their existing landline or mobile number with them.
The transfer process typically takes 5-7 business days and is usually free or low-cost. Most numbers can be ported to VoIP providers. There are just a few simple requirements to make the switch happen smoothly.
Understanding VoIP Number Porting and Your Rights
When someone decides to switch their phone service to VoIP, they often worry about losing their familiar phone number that friends, family, and business contacts have used for years.
The good news? They don’t have to. ICASA protects consumers’ right to keep their phone numbers when changing providers—it’s called number porting. This process helps businesses maintain brand consistency across all their communications whilst enjoying the cost savings and advanced features of VoIP technology.
This legal protection means carriers can’t hold numbers hostage, even if there’s an existing contract. The process involves transferring the number from the old provider to the new VoIP service, typically taking 5-7 business days. Mobile numbers, landlines, and even toll-free numbers can all be successfully ported to VoIP providers. Number porting is typically free or low-cost, ensuring continuity for users making the switch. Modern VoIP providers offer mobile apps that enable users to manage their ported numbers from virtually anywhere.
During this time, users get a temporary number to guarantee they’re never without service. Think of it like moving house but keeping the same postal address—the location changes, but post still arrives at the right place.
Which Phone Numbers Can Be Transferred to VoIP Services
While most people assume any phone number can jump ship to a VoIP service, the reality proves more complicated. Traditional landlines and mobile numbers transfer smoothly, but restrictions apply based on geography and provider rules.
Not every number can make the leap to VoIP despite common assumptions about universal portability.
Numbers eligible for VoIP porting include:
- Local landlines from national carriers
- Mobile phone numbers registered in the account holder’s name
- Toll-free numbers (though some VoIP providers refuse these)
- Existing VoIP numbers when switching between compatible services
- Virtual business lines from services like Google Voice
The catch? Numbers must stay within their original geographic region. Moving from Cape Town to Johannesburg doesn’t mean bringing that 021 area code along. International numbers face even stricter limitations, as most VoIP providers cannot port numbers from foreign carriers. Additionally, your current account must be in good standing with no outstanding balances before initiating any porting request.
Moreover, prepaid phones prove tricky since many lack proper account documentation required by RICA regulations. Once your number successfully transfers to a hosted PBX system, you’ll benefit from advanced call management features and cloud-based flexibility.
Steps to Successfully Port Your Number to Electrocom VoIP
Most businesses find that porting their phone number to Electrocom VoIP takes about as much effort as renewing a driving licence—tedious paperwork included.
The process starts when companies contact Electrocom to confirm eligibility and kick things off. They’ll need to fill out a Letter of Authorisation (LOA) with an actual pen signature—no digital scribbles allowed. The account details on the LOA must match exactly with what’s on file at the current provider.
Next comes the document dump: billing addresses, account details, and proof of identity.
Electrocom handles the heavy lifting by submitting a Local Service Request to their carrier. Simple ports wrap up in 5-7 business days, though complex transfers might drag on for weeks.
Once the old provider issues a Firm Order Commitment, it’s official. Smart businesses test everything immediately after the switch and update their websites with the transferred number.