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Plan the port before the port plans you.

Most porting pain comes from the paperwork, not the switch. A wrong address on the letter of authorization or a missing account number sends the request back and pushes go-live. Pick a go-live date, tell the planner what you are moving, and get the dates to work backwards from.

By RingLogix · Last updated September 2026

Your port

    Dates count business days and skip weekends, not holidays. The buffers are planning assumptions, not carrier commitments. Confirm the real date with the FOC.

    What to collect before you submit
    • A recent bill from the current carrier, showing the account number and service address.
    • The customer service record (CSR), so the details on your request match the carrier's record exactly.
    • A signed letter of authorization (LOA) from the account owner.
    • The account PIN or passcode, if the carrier uses one.
    • The full list of numbers, including fax lines and numbers that only receive calls.

    How long a port takes

    FCC rules require simple ports to complete within one business day unless a longer interval is requested. A simple port is, in general, a single line without complex features. Multi-line and complex ports are not held to that interval, so build in more time and confirm the date with the firm order commitment (FOC) from the losing carrier.

    Four mistakes that cause downtime
    1. Cancelling the old service first. Keep it active until the port completes, or the numbers can be lost.
    2. Mismatched details. The name, address and account number must match the CSR, not what the customer remembers.
    3. Forgetting the odd lines. Fax, alarm and elevator lines get missed and break after cutover.
    4. Cutting over late in the day. Schedule the switch when you can still test calls in and out before close of business.

    How RingOS handles porting

    Number porting tools are built into RingOS, next to quoting, activation and billing, so the port is part of the same onboarding flow under your brand. If a port comes back rejected, our guide to fixing porting rejections explains the common reasons and how to fix them.

    Questions MSPs ask
    How long does it take to port a business phone number?

    Under FCC rules a simple port must complete within one business day unless a longer interval is requested. Multi-line and complex ports take longer, so plan around the FOC date the losing carrier confirms.
    What is a LOA in number porting?

    A letter of authorization is the document the account owner signs to authorize moving the numbers to a new provider. Its details must match the current carrier's records.
    What is a CSR?

    A customer service record is the current carrier's record of the account: name, address, numbers and features. Matching your port request to it avoids most rejections.
    Can I cancel my old phone service before porting?

    No. Keep the old service active until the port completes. Cancelling first can release the numbers.

    Sources

    Moving a customer onto your own brand?

    See how RingLogix partners port numbers, activate service and bill the customer from one platform. Book a 15 minute demo.