VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and is a phone service that uses the internet instead of traditional telephone lines. If you currently use a landline phone but want to convert your landline while keeping your existing phone number, this is possible with phone number porting.
Transferring your landline number to a VoIP provider is simple. Throughout this article, we’ll discuss why you should consider the switch to VoIP and how to transition from an old landline to a new VoIP service.
Six reasons why you should choose VoIP over landline for your business.
If you’re using a traditional phone system for business, you may wonder whether there are advantages to moving over to a VoIP system.
There are many benefits for a business using VoIP, including
- Cost: VoIP services are often less expensive than traditional landline services. VoIP providers can offer service at a lower cost because they use the internet to transmit voice data rather than costly telephone lines.
- Mobility: VoIP services are not tied to a specific location, meaning that you can use your phone number on any device with internet access and the right software, which allows you to make and receive calls from anywhere.
- Flexibility: VoIP services offer a wide range of features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, and conferencing, making it easier to conduct business and stay connected.
- Scalability: VoIP services are easily scalable, which makes them a good option for businesses that have plans to grow their team.
- Integration: VoIP can integrate with other software like CRM and cloud-based storage to enhance call management and record keeping.
- Quality of service: With the improvements in broadband internet, the quality of service in VoIP has improved significantly and is on par with traditional telephone service.
If you’re still hesitant to sign up for a VoIP service because you’re worried about losing the phone number linked to your business, the good news is your new VoIP provider will be able to transfer your phone number to a new phone system.
How do I keep my number when I switch service providers?
Porting your phone number is the best way to keep it when you switch service providers. When you port your number, you essentially transfer ownership of your existing phone number from one provider to another.
The new provider usually handles this process, ensuring that you can continue using the same phone number regardless of which service provider you use. You must check with your current and new phone service providers to ensure they both support porting numbers.
If you are looking for a new VoIP provider, you need to find one that offers reliable calling services and competitive rates. With the right VoIP provider, porting your number to your new phone should be straightforward.
What is phone number porting?
Phone number porting, or porting a phone number, is the process of transferring a phone number from one phone provider to another. This could be a phone number attached to a traditional phone line, a mobile number, or a VoIP number.
When porting a number to a VoIP provider, it allows you to keep your existing phone number when switching providers. This is especially useful if you use your phone number for business and you need to transfer the number to avoid costly updates across marketing materials.
Number porting can be done from a landline telephone service provider to VoIP phone systems. Porting a phone number involves coordination between the customer’s current and new service providers.
The customer typically needs to provide their account number information to the new provider and verify their identity with both providers. The new provider will then initiate the porting process with the current provider, which can take several days to complete.
Will I need a new phone if I switch from landing to VoIP?
It depends on the type of phone you currently use with your landline service.
If you use a traditional landline phone connected to the wall jack with a telephone cable, you will need to replace it with a phone compatible with your new VoIP service or get a VoIP adapter.
A VoIP adapter is a device that connects your traditional telephone to a broadband internet connection to use a VoIP service. The adapter is placed between the phone and the wall jack and converts the analogue signal of the telephone into a digital signal transmitted over the internet.
The adapter typically has a telephone jack to plug in your phone and an Ethernet jack to connect to the router and will allow you to use your landline phone with your VoIP phone service.
Many VoIP providers offer various phone options, including IP phones, that plug directly into your router and require no additional cables. If you currently use a “Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone” connected to your internet router and configured with your landline provider, you may not need a new phone when you switch to a different VoIP provider.
It’s also worth noting that most VoIP services also offer softphone apps, which you can use on your computer or mobile device. This eliminates the need for a physical phone.
It’s a good idea to check with your new VoIP provider to see what phone options they offer and whether your current phone can be used with their service.
Switch your phone number from landline to VoIP.
If you’ve decided you want to switch your landline telephone number to VoIP, firstly, you need to find the best VoIP service provider for your needs. Check with your chosen provider to port your landline phone number to VoIP, whether a home phone or business VoIP.
Once you’re happy with phone number portability and confirm transferring your old phone number isn’t a problem, check whether you can use your regular landline phone with VoIP. Ask your VoIP provider for advice on this. We also advise you to make sure the provider you go to guarantees to make the transfer without you losing calls (we guarantee this!).
When you’re ready, your VoIP provider can contact your original phone provider and request the number linked to the account be ported. This will begin to transfer your number to your new VoIP system. The time it takes to port over the phone number will vary depending on providers.
Once complete, your current landline number will work with your new VoIP service, and you’ll be able to start enjoying features such as transferring calls to any device.
Want to discuss moving your landline phone number to VoIP? Kingstar Services will be happy to help. Contact us.
Article authored by Laura Bean Creative Little World
