Please explain how number portability works...

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 16, 2004 Posts: 5

I'm already a member but some of my friends are asking how they can keep their existing number when moving to Vonage.

I understand they get a temporary number. My question is: Is there any point in time where their old number does not work. In other words, they dont want to tell all their relatives and friends about some temporary number.

Any detail would be appreciated and I might be able to bring them over to Vonage.

Posts: 51 · Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 7:30 pm Post subject:

In theory, it is a simple process...

1. Complete and Fax the Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Vonage (you can download this from your dashboard)

2. The Vonage LNP dept will forward your transfer request to the carrier.

3. The carrier approves and schedules the transfer.

4. The transfer is executed and the number is ported to your Vonage account.

During this process Vonage will assign you a temporary number from which you can make and receive calls over the Internet. Vonage states that the porting process takes 15-20 days but most people report longer transfer periods. During this period you must maintain your landline or else you will forfeit the number. In essence you end up with two lines for a 1-2 month period. This is probably why they started the 1 free month promotion - to cover their ass for the long transfer periods.

Posts: 104 · Vonage Forum Senior Joined: Jan 31, 2004 Posts: 104

I've made a fairly detailed post on the actual "behind the scenes" process in a recent post.

Posts: 21 · Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2004 11:16 pm Post subject:

When my number finally got ported I experianced a few hrs of "number no longer in service or disconnected" messages when calling my number from work. This was probably due to some type of database updates that were propagating through the telephone system(s). Other than that, I had no down time. It was nice. I love the system!