Updated November 2026
The short version
- Switching to 5x5? You keep your existing business numbers, and we help you port them.
- The FCC says you can keep your number when you switch providers and stay in the same geographic area, between landline, IP and wireless services.
- Start service with the new provider first. Do not cancel your old service before that.
- Your old provider cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe a balance or termination fee, but your contract may still require you to pay it.
- FCC rules require carriers to complete simple ports within one business day and non-simple ports within four business days.
- VoIP is covered: interconnected VoIP providers must facilitate valid port requests.
How to keep your business number when you switch
The FCC says that if you switch service providers and stay in the same geographic area, you can keep your existing phone number. This is called number porting, and it works between landline (wireline), internet-based (IP) and wireless providers, so moving from traditional phone lines to VoIP is covered too.
Follow these steps in order:
- List the numbers you want to keep: Include every business number, from your main line to direct lines, so none are left behind on the old account.
- Review your current contract: The FCC notes it may include early termination fees or an outstanding balance that you are still obligated to pay.
- Keep your old service running: Do not end service with your current company before you start new service with the new one.
- Contact the new provider to start the port: The new company starts the porting process, not the old one. When you switch to 5x5, we help you port your numbers.
- Give the new provider your numbers: Share each 10-digit number and any additional information it requires.
- Ask about fees: Companies may charge you to port a number, and the FCC suggests asking whether any fees can be waived or negotiated.
How long porting takes
FCC rules set porting deadlines for telecommunications carriers that are required to port numbers. These are rules for carriers, not a promise from any one provider, and they allow a longer period when the new provider or the customer asks for one.
- Simple port
- What it generally involves: Generally one line, with no complex changes to telephone switching equipment
- FCC deadline for carriers: Within one business day
- Non-simple port
- What it generally involves: More than one line, or more complex adjustments to switching equipment
- FCC deadline for carriers: Within four business days
Business days are Monday through Friday. For a simple port to activate at midnight the same day, the old provider must receive an accurate and complete port request between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time. A request that arrives later counts as received at 8 a.m. the next business day.
Because simple ports generally involve one line, a business moving several lines at once should plan around the longer interval and confirm the porting date with its new provider.
Can your old provider refuse to port your number?
No. The FCC says that once you request service from a new company, your old company cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for an outstanding balance or a termination fee.
Porting does not cancel what you owe. Your contract may still require you to pay early termination fees or an outstanding balance, so handle those with the old provider separately.
The duty applies to VoIP providers too. Federal rules require interconnected VoIP providers and carriers to facilitate a valid port request without unreasonable delay, and without procedures that have the effect of delaying or denying the port.
Can you keep your number if you move to a new area?
Not always. The FCC says that if you are moving to a new geographic area, you may not be able to keep your current phone number when you change providers.
There is one more exception. Some rural landline providers get waivers from state authorities, and their customers may be unable to port their numbers to a new provider. If that happens to you, the FCC suggests contacting your state public utilities commission.
If you are moving offices, check whether your numbers can come with you before you set a move date, and put porting on your move plan.
Should you cancel your old service first?
No. The FCC's advice is clear: do not terminate service with your existing company before you start new service with another company.
Keep the old account active, start service with the new provider and let the port move your numbers. Once your numbers work on the new service, review the old account for any remaining services, balance or termination fee your contract requires.
Keeping your numbers with SIP trunking or hosted VoIP
Switching to VoIP does not mean giving up your numbers. The FCC's porting deadlines cover ports involving interconnected VoIP service, and 47 CFR 52.34 requires interconnected VoIP providers to facilitate a customer's valid port request to or from a carrier or another VoIP provider. A VoIP provider also may not enter an agreement that would stop a customer from porting.
The setup you choose changes what happens to your phone system, not your numbers:
SIP trunking
- You keep the phone system you already own (PBX)
- Calls run over your internet connection instead of traditional phone lines
- Your existing numbers move to the new lines
Hosted VoIP
- The provider runs the phone system for you
- Staff use desk phones or a softphone app
- Your existing numbers move to the hosted service
With 5x5 Telecom, you keep your existing business numbers whichever setup you choose, and we help you port them. Your calls run over your internet connection, so 5x5 can provide your internet and phones together, supported by one 24/7 US-based team.
Business VoIPSIP trunkingBusiness internet and phoneRead the guide: SIP trunking vs VoIP
