Can I Keep My Existing Phone Numbers When Switching to a Cloud Phone System? [Answered]

Switching to a cloud phone system can seem daunting, especially if you’re worried about losing your existing phone numbers. But it doesn’t have to be. Many business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, and office managers face this challenge. If you’re one of them, this guide is tailored just for you.

Why Companies Prefer to Keep Their Existing Phone Numbers

For businesses, phone numbers are more than just a series of digits—they’re a lifeline to customers, partners, and stakeholders. Changing phone numbers can cause confusion, disrupt communication, and even result in lost business. Keeping your existing numbers ensures a seamless transition, maintaining the trust and familiarity that customers expect.

Another advantage of retaining your current numbers is the consistency it brings to your brand. Your established phone numbers are likely printed on business cards, marketing materials, and online listings. Changing them means incurring additional costs and effort to update all these resources. It also saves your team from wasting time informing customers and partners about the change.

Finally, keeping your existing numbers can be beneficial for search engine optimization (SEO). If your phone numbers are listed on various websites and directories, retaining them helps maintain your online presence and keeps your contact information consistent across the web.

What is Number Porting?

Number porting is the process that allows you to transfer your existing phone numbers from one service provider to another. This means you can switch to a cloud phone system without changing your contact numbers. Number porting involves several steps, but the result is worth it—seamless communication with no need to inform everyone about a new number.

The porting process is regulated by telecommunications authorities to ensure it’s done correctly and efficiently. When you request a port, your new cloud phone service provider will coordinate with your current provider to transfer the numbers. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the request and the providers involved.

During the porting process, you don’t have to worry about service interruptions. Most providers ensure that your existing phone lines remain active until the porting is complete. This way, your business operations continue smoothly without any communication gaps.

Types of Numbers That Can Be Ported

Many cloud communications vendors and resellers can port a variety of numbers for you. Here are some common types that can be transferred:

1. Wireless Numbers

Wireless numbers, including mobile phones, are commonly ported to cloud phone systems. This allows businesses to keep their mobile contact numbers and integrate them with their new system seamlessly. Porting wireless numbers ensures that employees can use their existing mobile devices while benefiting from cloud-based features and flexibility.

2. Fax Numbers

Fax numbers are still important for many businesses, especially those in legal, medical, and financial sectors. Porting your fax numbers to a cloud phone system means you can continue to send and receive faxes without interruption. Additionally, many cloud systems offer virtual fax services, which allow you to manage faxes digitally, further streamlining your operations.

3. Toll-Free Voice Numbers

Toll-free numbers are a valuable asset for customer service and sales. These numbers are often associated with a business’s brand and are easy for customers to remember. Porting toll-free numbers to a cloud phone system ensures that customers can continue to reach you without any changes. It also allows you to leverage the advanced call management features offered by cloud systems.

4. Local Voice Numbers

Local voice numbers give businesses a presence in specific geographic areas. Porting local numbers ensures that your business maintains its local identity and continues to serve customers in those regions. This is particularly important for businesses with multiple locations or those that rely on local clientele.

Let’s Get Started

Ready to make the switch? Explore how VoiceNEXT can help you port your numbers and upgrade your business communications. Contact us today!