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Local Number Portability (LNP) enables consumers in the United States to transfer their existing telephone number (traditional or Internet-based) from one phone service provider to another. With Packet8 Internet Phone Service, you can request that your number be “ported” free of charge at anytime during the initial order process or even after you have become a Packet8 subscriber, as long as you maintain phone service for the number you want to transfer.
You will be able to submit and track the number porting process online. Although Packet8 makes every attempt to work with all telephone service providers across the United States, certain local or regional guidelines may preclude us from being able to port your number to Packet8. In such cases, a new number from Packet8 would be provided. The process may take 6-8 weeks to complete. This transfer time can be dramatically reduced when all forms are correctly filled out with accurate information. During the porting process, Packet8 will provide a temporary phone number that is your option to keep. After your number has ported to Packet8, your old phone service should be turned off. However, you may want to contact your old phone service to confirm this.
Transfer Instructions
To transfer your phone number to Packet8:
If you are a new Packet8 residential subscriber:
- When placing your order, select "Yes" under "Keep Your Existing Phone Number" and then select “Continue”
- Complete online questionnaire (during the order process)
- Complete your online Letter of Authorization (LOA)
If you are an existing Packet8 residential subscriber:
- Log into your account through the Packet8 self service portal
- Select the specific account to transfer your existing phone number to
- Scroll down and select LNP request
- Complete the online questionnaire
- Complete your online Letter of Authorization (LOA)
If you are a Packet8 Virtual Office subscriber:
- Log into your account through the Packet8 self service portal
- Select the specific account to transfer your existing phone number to
- Scroll down and select LNP request
- Complete the online questionnaire
- Complete the online Letter of Authorization (LOA)
- Fax a copy of your most recent bill (no more than 30 days old) to 408-884-2262
To transfer your toll free number to Packet8 Virtual Office, follow this procedure:
- Log into your account through the Packet8 self service portal
- Complete online questionnaire
- Download and complete the Toll Free LOA form (this is the toll free letter of authorization)
- Fax a copy of your most recent bill (no more than 30 days old) to 408-884-2262
After submitting a LNP request, you will receive updates via email. You can also check your LNP status through your Packet8 self service portal by clicking on the LNP status button on the left menu.
FAQs
What is Number Portability?
Number Portability, also known as Local Number Portability (LNP), allows most consumers to switch phone service providers without having to change their phone number. All toll free numbers are portable to Virtual Office.
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Can I transfer my landline/home phone number to Packet8?
Most likely, yes! Consumers in the 100 largest markets, covering about 70% of America's population, can transfer their current phone numbers to Packet8 service.
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Why choose to port a phone number?
Porting or transferring a current phone number eliminates the inconvenience of changing phone numbers, one of the biggest barriers keeping consumers from changing carriers.
Key Benefits:
- No new phone numbers to remember.
- No need to notify relatives, friends and other contacts of your new phone number.
- No need to print new stationery or business cards.
Now, you can take advantage of the savings with Packet8 and our numerous calling plans without changing your phone number!
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Can I switch numbers if I'm in an existing contract?
Sure, but you will be responsible for any early termination fees charged by your current carrier for exiting the contract, plus any balance owed on your account.
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Can I switch my number to my new location?
Yes. As opposed to traditional telecom service providers, our services are as mobile as you are. With all our accounts, you can keep your phone numbers from another city regardless of where you are located. That is one of the great benefits of Packet8 Internet Phone Service.
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Can I find out in advance if my number is portable?
A preliminary check of the number can be done at the following location. Check Service Availability »
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How do I transfer my current phone number to Packet8?
Please refer to the instructions above.
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What if I already have a Packet8 account and want to transfer my old phone number?
Please refer to the instructions above.
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Are toll free numbers portable?
Yes, all toll free numbers are portable to Virtual Office.
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How long will it take to transfer my number?
Transferring regular numbers generally takes approximately six to eight (as stated in the intro on this page) weeks to transfer regular numbers to Packet8. Toll free number portability generally takes two to five weeks. During the process, you can view your number portability status and updates by logging into your Self Service Portal account.
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What if my number is not transferred in a timely manner?
We will provide you with a date of release from your current carrier. Rarely will this date slip. If the transfer does not take place in the estimated amount of time or if there are issues, a representative from Packet8 will contact you. You will be notified by email of any action required.
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What if my number fails to transfer?
If the transfer is delayed or denied by your current service provider, a Packet8 representative will contact you. The reason for failure to transfer will be stated in an email. If there is any action required on your part, this will also be stated in the email.
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What if I have other numbers on my current account that I don’t plan on porting?
Each provider will treat numbers that are not requested to port differently. Please contact your current provider to find out if the number will simply be split off your account or if they will disconnect the remaining numbers.
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Will I experience a lapse in service?
It's possible you may not experience a lapse in service, however due to the various time zones and different company procedures, your number may experience some provisioning downtime. We will do everything we can to make sure if downtime does occur that it's brief.
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Is there a charge for number porting?
Packet8 does not charge to port a phone number. Your previous carrier may charge an early termination fee if you break an existing contract.
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I want to transfer my number, but I disconnected it 30 days ago.
We cannot port a number if the requestor does not “own” the number. You should go back to your previous carrier to try to re-secure your old number.
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Can I transfer my number out from Packet8?
Yes, numbers can be transferred out, if your new provider supports the rate center the number is from. You will have to contact your new provider to initiate the process.
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Can I cancel my request?
Yes. Contact Packet8 as soon as possible. This can be done online.
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Can I know whether my number is portable before signing up with Packet8?
Yes. Use our online tool to determine if your number is portable. In some cases, our coverage is greater than our online tool indicates, so you may want to speak to a Packet8 sales representative if the online tool reports a negative.
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My DSL uses my requested number. Can I port it without losing my DSL?
No. You cannot port a number that has DSL associated with it. You can sign
up for cable or satellite service and then you can transfer the number to
Packet8. Or, you can contact your current provider and ask for a new number
for your DSL, have the DSL switched to the new number then port your old
number.
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What if I can only get DSL service in my area?
Contact your current DSL provider and inform them that you want to add a new
number for DSL. Then, assign the new number as your DSL line. You can then
port your original number to Packet8.
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If I transfer my number, will I have to cancel my account with the other provider myself or will you do that?
In most cases, your provider will automatically disconnect your account when the number transfers. However, we encourage you to contact your provider to ensure they have disconnected the service.
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When do I start getting billed by Packet8?
Packet8 provides a temporary telephone number that is usable and billed immediately until your number is transferred. Your first month's bill will be for a full month's charge and the subsequent month will be prorated with any international calls billed for the first month.
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What are some of the reasons a number cannot be transferred?
- Rate center is not available from Packet8
- Rate center of the number requested does not support porting
- Telephone number is wireless (We cannot port wireless numbers at this time.)
- Number is no longer in service
- Features on the line preclude porting
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What are some of the reasons for an LNP Request to be rejected during the porting process?
- An 800 number is being directed to the TELEPHONE NUMBER being ported
- Customer has requested a freeze on their account that does not allow the account to be ported
- Distinctive ring on the line
- DSL on line
- An existing LNP request is already in place
- Name and address are different on your account than that submitted on your LOA
- Telephone number is disconnected
- The service address is different from the address on the LOA Request
- Telephone number was not found
- XO customer (XO requires customers to go to their website to fill out a release.)
- Telephone number is wireless and cannot be ported
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Should I call my current provider and let them know that I am transferring my number to Packet8?
No, it is not necessary.
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Should I call my current provider and cancel my current service?
No. If you do cancel, we will not be able to port your number as it would be released back to your current service provider.
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