Need to transfer your number?
Porting brings your existing number to Zonitel without changing it. This guide covers which number types can move, how long it takes and why, what we need from you, how temporary numbers keep you reachable meanwhile, and the one action that can lose you a number.
Bringing your numbers to Zonitel
Moving a phone number from another provider is called porting, and we handle it for you. Your number stays the same, so your customers, your signage and your marketing all keep working.
What can be ported
- Toll-free numbers
- Mobile (wireless) numbers
- Landline numbers
- Fax numbers
We support porting across the United States and Canada, plus select international numbers. In many cases there is no cost to you for porting numbers to Zonitel.
If you are not sure whether a particular number can move, ask us before you plan around it.
How long it takes
Porting typically takes one to two weeks. The exact timing depends on how quickly your current provider releases the number, which is the part outside our control. Your service does not stop while this happens.
What we need from you
- A recent bill from your current provider.
- The account name and service address exactly as that provider has them recorded. Mismatched details are the most common reason a port is rejected and has to start again.
- The full list of numbers you want to bring, including any fax lines.
Staying reachable during the move
A useful approach is to take temporary Zonitel numbers while the port is in progress. That lets you:
- Forward calls from your existing numbers to Zonitel straight away.
- Stay reachable without waiting for the port to finish.
- Build and test your call flow, greetings and voicemail in advance, so everything is ready the moment your real numbers arrive.
That last point is the one worth planning for. Setting up your call flow ahead of time means the switchover is invisible to callers rather than the start of a scramble.
The one thing not to do
Do not cancel your current service. If the account is closed before the port completes, the number can be released and lost permanently. We coordinate the cancellation once your numbers are safely with us. See How do I cancel my current phone provider?
Once your numbers arrive
They appear in Settings > Phone Numbers, where you set what happens when someone calls. See How Your Call Flow Works, and set the name people see with Set the Caller ID Name People See.
FAQ
Q: Will my number change?
A: No. That is the point of porting.
Q: Can I port only some of my numbers?
A: Yes. Tell us which ones.
Q: Does it cost anything?
A: In many cases there is no cost. We confirm before starting.
Q: Can I keep using my phones during the port?
A: Yes. Your existing service stays active until the port completes.
Need help?
Call/Text/WhatsApp: (833) 966-4835
Email: info@zonitel.com