How To Change Your Phone Number With VoIP

Individuals and organizations are switching to VoIP due to some unique features that stand out from traditional phone lines. One of the major advantages is the ability to change your phone number and keep your old number. It's something that you might not be used to, considering that traditional phone service requires you to have a specific number.

Changing your phone number with any VoIP provider is a relatively simple process and should only take about five minutes. For many consumers, VoIP is a relatively new concept. Let’s talk about it.

VoIP Explained

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and virtual phone technology are currently the latest technologies on the marketplace for corporate and private use. VoIP allows you to enjoy and access your phone service regardless of where you are in the world. All this is possible as long as you have your tablet, computer, mobile phone, or any device enabled with an internet connection.

While typical phone numbers are assigned to devices, VoIP numbers are allocated to individuals. You can even get a second phone number using VoIP. However, it is not the same as a real telephone line. While the conventional telephone lines are routed via a service provider, VoIP uses internet connections to transfer calls between two parties. Thanks to an internet connection, VoIP calls bypass telephone operators since it features Direct Inward Dial (DID) phone numbers available to phone users. This latest technology makes VoIP calls faster and better, provided the internet connection is good.

What Type of VoIP Should You Get?

To prepare to change your phone number and get a VoIP number, it’s important to understand the different types of VoIP. There are five types of VoIP:

#1. Residential VoIP Services

This type of VoIP is used with a landline phone hooked up to a Wi-Fi modem. Residential VoIP services allow users to make and receive calls over the internet. An example of a residential VoIP service provider is Lingo.

#2. Device-based VoIP Services

This type of VoIP comes on a device that users must purchase and plug into their existing landline phone set. Aside from the price of purchasing the device, this is a free VoIP service. An example of a device-based VoIP Service is Ooma.

#3. Software-based VoIP Services

Software-based VoIP services are the most common type of VoIP by far. You might use it on a daily basis without even realizing it. Typically, these exist as web-based apps you can use on the computer. A common example of this is Skype.

#4. Mobile VoIP Services

This type of VoIP is similar to software-based VoIP services except that it can be installed on a mobile device instead of only on a computer. As long as you have an internet connection, mobile VoIP services are a surefire way to make and receive calls anywhere, for free. Some popular examples are WhatsApp, Hangouts, and again, Skype.

#5. Business VoIP Services

VoIP is popularly used for businesses, as it’s cost-effective and many VoIP services come with useful features like audio and video conferencing, screen-sharing, calling queues, interactive voice response, automated attendants, and call reports. Business VoIP services often come with tech support services, too.

Once you decide which type of VoIP is best for you, set up your VoIP with your VoIP service plan. The setup instructions and software needed varies depending on the type of VoIP you opt for.

The cost of changing your mobile number on any of these types of VoIP varies. When you register for a VoIP service, many of them will transfer your line with zero charges. Others may request a one-time payment, while some may bill ask for a monthly subscription to keep your ported phone number.

What Can You Do with VoIP Service For Home?

Everything traditional phone services do, but cheaper and better. VoIP service for home handles all your communication needs, from voice phone calls to video calls for 30 - 70% less than what traditional service providers charge. The features that home-based VoIP providers offer vary, but you can expect to have these features when you switch to VoIP service for home:

• Enhanced voice mail
• Call waiting
• Call return
• Call forwarding (including Find Me/Follow Me)
• Toll-free numbers
• Virtual numbers
• Fax line
• Automated voice response system

Software-based VoIP service and mobile VoIP service are the ideal VoIP solutions for regular home users. Neither requires elaborate set-up and can replace your traditional phone system for personal communication and home-based business.

Regular users and business owners who are sensitive to change or unsure about home-based VoIP may try these services for free before making the switch. Furthermore, individuals who travel often will find these VoIP services convenient, since they support international calls at no additional charges.

What can Business Do With VoIP?

VoIP services offer tons of features for businesses that simply don’t compare to normal landlines. Some perks that business VoIP users can enjoy are:

Affordable Costs of Communication

As long as there is internet connection, VoIP services let users communicate with each other for free, or at least for very cheap. This means no more long-distance call costs or per the minute charges that most phone companies would charge. There are different packages with different prices and features, so it’s simple to choose one that fits in your budget while fulfilling your communication needs.

Affordable And Simple Hardware And Software

Some might be concerned that VoIP requires a fortune’s worth of hardware and software installation, but that’s not necessarily true. Most VoIP systems don’t require much added software or equipment. In terms of hardware, you’re going to want a headset and microphone.

Certain VoIP service providers might require VoIP phones, but don’t worry just yet. These phones are typically inexpensive, and are sometimes provided by the service provider for a monthly fee.

Multiple Calls At The Same Time

Regular old phone lines typically let you talk to one person at a time. VoIP services, on the other hand, allow multiple calls to take place simultaneously. This includes conference calls and group calls, which are important to many businesses as it makes it possible for employees, management, and stakeholders to collaborate internally and to easily communicate with clients.

The possibility of multiple calls also presents a faster option for customers to connect with customer support services. This makes it possible for customer concerns to be resolved faster, improving customer experience and strengthening the credibility and trustworthiness of your business.

More Features Than Traditional Systems

Although each VoIP service provider will offer different features, the basic features included in most plans re:

• Fax
• Voicemail
• Caller ID
• Call waiting
• Call forwarding
• Call blocking
• 411 directory
• Number redial
• Return call
• Call transfers
• Area code selection

Even if employees work offsite, a company owner might choose VoIP phone numbers for them. For both commercial and personal use, a regular phone line becomes outdated with VoIP. Most often, these features are included in a VoIP subscription, keeping add-on costs low.

How Long Does It Take To Change VoIP Phone Numbers?

When only one phone number is ported to VoIP, the procedure may require as little as one working day. It all relies on how occupied your VoIP provider is when you decide to make the switch. Keep in mind that it takes longer to change toll-free numbers than personal lines or business lines. Due to the more considerable scope of the process, moving many numbers to your new voice call system may take several working days. To be on the safe side, add two weeks to your estimate.

Best Practices for Changing Your VoIP phone numbers

Moving your telephone lines between traditional carriers and VoIP operators is now feasible owing to NPAC (Number Portability Administration Center) and their cooperation with the FCC. Nevertheless, there are some important tips to keep in mind irrespective of your new or present carriers.

• Don't get rid of services on your old phone number until the port is finalized. In certain situations, canceling service restores your phone number to your current provider's stock of unclaimed numbers. This is why it may be very tough or impossible to change your phone numbers between two VoIP networks. They will be required to terminate the existing service while finding a new client to take up your phone number immediately.
• Duplicating phone numbers is prohibited, but they may occur for a brief duration. Generally, service disruptions arise all through the changing process when a phone number is active between two network providers. This mostly happens when nationwide routing systems deliver a call to an inactive service for a brief time during inbound calls. In rare circumstances, this might also have an impact on 911 communications.
• Time duration for changing phone numbers varies. The FCC specifies that basic transfers take no more than a day. Changing various telephone lines (e.g., from landlines to Voice service providers) or between digital PBX carriers, on the other hand, might be more time-consuming. In the latter scenario, a third party is usually engaged on both sides of the procedure, which allows it to take a while longer. This may take up to 21 days.
• When moving, use a temporary phone number. Many businesses may give a provisional phone number to business allies, staff, or customers. Companies do this to avoid operating difficulties if the changes take more time than expected.

One thing to keep in mind is this: Just because a company is legally required to change a phone number doesn't imply they will. Before moving your mobile number to a VoIP service operator, make sure to read the porting part of your existing contract.

Can I Keep Previous Phone Numbers With VoIP?

Yes, keeping your old phone numbers is possible after switching to the new VoIP (voice over IP telephony) service. There are, however, certain limits. You've had a phone number for decades, and several individuals remember you or your business because of it, so you don't want to change it. Changing to VoIP necessitates a change in phone telecom operators as well as phone numbers.

Transfer Limitations for VoIP Numbers

This function is not always available for free. Some VoIP providers charge a fee for phone number transfers. As long as you maintain the ported line, the cost might be a one-time transaction or a monthly subscription. So, if number portability is essential to you, speak to your operator about it and factor the price into your budgeting.

Aside from the price, transferring a phone number may come with other limitations. It's possible that you won't be able to use some of the new service's capabilities. This is particularly the case for functionalities associated with telephone numbers, which are frequently given away for free when a new program is launched. Paying for another phone line with their transferred number is one method to get around this limitation. You'll have access to all of the new service's benefits while still capable of keeping your existing phone number.

Number Portability And New VoIP Phone Numbers

Number portability refers to the ability of a mobile subscriber to retain their phone number when changing service providers or moving to a new address. Many carriers allow for number portability to take place without any additional costs or fees. Also, the FCC, a US regulatory agency, decided that all VoIP network operators must enable mobile number portability.

To be eligible for portability, the subscriber must be enrolled in the current carrier's automatic number identification (ANI) program. Portability is available only with ANI, not voicemail. When you move or change service providers, your telephone number can usually be ported to your new provider. If you wish to maintain your current phone number, there's one point to remember: both providers' data for your phone line should be identical.

For instance, a phone number is always associated with a person's home address and other business details included when registering for the phone number. It will be impossible to get the new business's phone number for your partner.

The Bottom-Line

VoIP services are fast becoming the latest mode of communications in the world today. This is why many people are considering how to change their phone numbers to VoIP. Switching your phone number to VoIP should not be difficult.

Despite the many advantages of using VoIP, business owners and individuals may be reluctant to switch for several reasons. Chief among them: the desire to keep their existing digits and the process.  These concerns would be understandable in the past. Today, advanced number portability has provided the necessary conditions for individuals to switch to VoIP.