Can I Keep My Existing Phone Number While Using VoIP?

Question: Can I Keep My Existing Phone Number While Using VoIP?

You have used a phone number for years and many people recognize you or your company through it, and don't want to abandon it for a new one. Switching to VoIP means changing company and also phone number. 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?

Answer:

Yes, but in some cases, No. It depends.

Number portability is the ability to still use your phone number from one phone service provider with another. This is fortunately possible today between phone service provider companies, whether they offer wired or wireless service, due to the FCC, the regulating body. While phone service providers are bound by regulations to provide number portability, VoIP service providers are not! This does not mean that you cannot keep your existing phone number when signing for a new VoIP service, but it depends on whether the VoIP service provider provides this facility.

When the FCC imposed the number portability regulation, it was meant to apply for communication service provider companies, be it for wired or wireless services. VoIP is not considered by law as a communication service (at least in the US), but rather a data service. Hence, a VoIP service provider is an information service provider, and it does not necessarily have to offer number portability.

However, some VoIP companies do offer number portability, against a fee. The fee charged can be a one-time payment or can be a monthly fee payable as long as you keep the ported number. So, if you care a lot about number portability, make sure your service provider allows for it. If it does not, there is nothing much you can do about it. So, take this into consideration before signing for a VoIP service.

Your records should be the same

One very important thing to know if you want to keep your existing number is that the personal records of the person owning the 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 person’s or company’s name and address. If you want the number with the new company to be, say, that of your wife, then it will not be portable. She will have to use the new number obtained from the new company.

Now, read on what could prevent you from using your existing number with VoIP.