Can I Keep My Existing Phone Number While Using VoIP? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Email, Messaging, & Video Calls > Texting & Messaging 116 116 people found this article helpful

Can I Keep My Existing Phone Number While Using VoIP?

Yes but there are caveats to porting your number to your internet phone service

By Nadeem Unuth Nadeem Unuth Freelance Contributor University of Mauritius Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 18, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Can I Keep My Phone Number With VoIP VoIP Number Transfer Restrictions What Is Number Portability Make Sure Your Records Match In most cases, you can transfer a phone number to a VoIP service. It's recommended so that you don't have to give all your contacts a new number.

Can I Keep My Phone Number With VoIP

You have used a phone number for years and many people recognize you or your company through it, and you don't want to abandon it for a new one. Switching to VoIP means changing phone service providers and also phone numbers. Can you still use your existing landline PSTN phone number with your new VoIP service? Will your VoIP service provider allow you to keep your existing phone number? Basically yes, you can bring your existing number over with you to the new VoIP (internet telephony) service. However, there are limitations. You may not be able to port your number if you are moving and the area code is changing as a result. SteveDF / E+ / Getty Images

VoIP Number Transfer Restrictions

This feature is not always free. Some VoIP companies offer number portability for a fee. The fee charged can be a one-time payment or a monthly amount payable as long as you keep the ported number. So, if you care about number portability, talk about it to your provider and consider the eventual fee in your cost planning. Besides the fee, porting a number may impose certain restrictions. You might be barred from benefiting from certain features offered with the new service. This is true especially for features that are linked to their numbers, which are often given for free with a new service. One way people avoid this restriction is to pay for a second line that carries their ported number. This way, you have all the features with the new service while still being able to use your old line.

What Is Number Portability

Number portability is the ability to use your phone number from one phone service provider with another. This is possible between phone service provider companies, whether they offer wired or wireless service. The regulating body in the US, the FCC, ruled that all VoIP service providers should offer phone number portability.

Make Sure Your Records Match

If you want to keep your existing number, there's one important thing to keep in mind: The personal records for your number should be exactly the same with both companies. For example, the name and address you submit as the owner of the account should be exactly the same with both companies. A phone number is always attached to a name and an address. If you want the number with the new company to be that of your spouse, for example, then it will not be portable. They will have to use a new number obtained from the new company. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Get Started With VoIP Best Free Internet Phone Calls Apps (October 2022) Number Portability: Can I Transfer My Cell Phone Number? How to Block Cell Phone Numbers On Android or iPhone (iOS) How to Block Political Robocalls 5 Best Ways to Find a Cell Phone Number Online How to Change Your Phone Number on Android How to Park Your Cellphone Number Keep Your iPhone Number When Switching Phone Companies How to Know If Someone Blocked Your Number How to Hide Your Number With *67 Connect All Your Home Phones to Your VoIP Service How to Get a Free Phone Number How to Retrieve Deleted Phone Numbers on Android How Google Voice Works How to Check if an iPhone Is Unlocked Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies