Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by admin
The UK is transitioning from traditional landline services to internet-based services. The communication providers (CPs) set a deadline for the switchover from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Expected to be in 2025, the deadline was delayed to the end of January 2027.
Businesses now have time to search for VoIP providers who will suit their business needs. For most businesses, this will be a straightforward process since they can easily port their landline numbers to VoIP. The process may seem to be complex but this article will explore everything you need to know about porting landline number to VoIP and how it will benefit your business.
What is number porting?
This is a method of transferring your number from the current to another communication provider. There are two types of number porting, local and full.
Local number porting is where you transfer your fixed landline numbers while with full number porting, you move a cell phone number with its features.
What is a VoIP phone?
A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone is a device that uses the internet to make calls. When you make voice calls using the VoIP technology it will use a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line.
With a VoIP system, businesses can integrate voice calls with other communication tools like instant messaging, video conference calls, and file sharing creating a seamless communication experience, and enhancing productivity and collaboration.
Why port landline numbers to VoIP?
Transitioning to VoIP offers businesses various benefits giving a competitive edge in today’s digital market.
Portable:
First and foremost, VoIP is portable, unlike analog landlines which use copper wire or phone lines. Businesses do not have to acquire new phone lines or spend on facilitating someone to set up their landlines when moving to a new location.
Cost-effective:
VoIP offers your business significant savings since it reduces telephone expenses, especially for those who make frequent, long international calls. It also eliminates the need to purchase expensive hardware installations and maintenance.
Scalability:
VoIP offers the flexibility for growing businesses to scale up or down to match their communication capabilities. The unparalleled scalability empowers businesses to enhance their communication capabilities seamlessly.
Integration with various communication channels:
VoIP seamlessly integrates with various communication channels like messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing. This enhances the productivity level and collaboration of teams across the company.
What is the difference between VoIP and landline?
Portability:
VoIP phones are more flexible than landlines which use copper wire making it difficult to move around with.
Maintenance:
Landlines require constant maintenance to upgrade which can be time-consuming and challenging to expand, unlike VoIP which only requires software updates.
Reliability:
Both VoIP and landlines can experience downtime due to either internet failure or power outage. However, landlines may be more liable to physical damage or line faults.
Call quality:
The quality of calls can vary in both VoIP and landlines. The factor that can affect the call quality of VoIP is the stability of network connection, whereas landline calls can be affected by network congestion.
Scalability:
VoIP is more scalable than landlines. You can easily add or remove phone lines, unlike landlines.
Cost:
VoIP is cheaper than landlines since it does not require dedicated phone lines. VoIP also has lower call rates, especially for long international calls.
What is the process of porting landline number to VoIP?
Before we dive into the porting process, it is important to understand the meaning of porting. Porting is the process of transferring a phone number from one service provider to another. To fully transition to a VoIP system, there are certain processes you need to follow.
Find a service provider who meets your business needs and wants.
Find service providers who offer landline porting to VoIP services. Look for providers who have plans or packages that are favorable to your business.
Contact the service provider:
Once you settle for a service provider, contact them about your intention to port your landline number. They will guide you on how to go about it, the necessary forms to fill out and the documentation required.
Coordinate with your current provider:
Inform your current provider that you want to port the number with another service provider to ensure the process is seamless. They will help in handling the technical aspect with your chosen provider.
Complete the porting process:
Depending on the complexities of the technical system from your previous provider, the transition may take time so it is important to be patient. Once it is ported and fully functional with your chosen provider’s VoIP system, you will be notified.
How to choose a reliable VoIP provider?
Choosing a reliable VoIP provider for your business is a crucial step since it will play a bigger part in your company’s communication process. There are so many options in the UK market and it is important to evaluate your choices before selecting a provider. When researching potential VoIP providers consider:
Reliability and reputation: How reliable are they to their current customers? To know and understand the reliability of the service providers ensure you check their reviews in Google My Business, Trustpilot, social media platforms, and on their websites. Customers are always honest about the services they have received since it affects their business. A provider with a good reputation is more likely to deliver reliable services and good customer support.
Features and functionality: Look at the features being offered with VoIP. How functional are the features? Are these features that will work with your business or an add on? Assess the features and functionality offered by each provider and choose the one that offers the necessary features such as video conferencing, voicemail, call forwarding, file sharing, and integration with other communication tools.
Flexibility and scalability: In the business landscape, a lot of changes where a company can either expand or scale down. With this in mind, you must choose a service provider that will accommodate your current needs. They should also offer the flexibility of upgrading and downgrading plans and device integration.
Cost-effectiveness: Compare prices of the plans and packages offered by different service providers. While many businesses may choose to settle for the provider offering the lowest packages, it is important to check the quality of the service provided. As much as you are searching for affordable plans and packages, do not compromise on the quality of the service.
Integration: Can the VoIP integrate with the current software your company has? Most businesses use CRM software and they must get a VoIP provider who will be able to integrate with their platform.
Network quality: If your company has high usage of VoIP systems, look for a service provider whose network quality is top-notch and reliable. You should assess the providers who offer high-quality voice connections and can maintain continuity even during peak days.
What challenges are there when porting landline number to VoIP?
Mismatched information: When you provide the wrong information about your previous provider to your new provider, it may be challenging during the transition process. Ensure you always submit the correct details of your previous provider to ensure a smooth and quick transition process.
Inactive number: Trying to port an inactive number to the VoIP system will not work. Just like suspended numbers phone numbers that do not operate, an inactive number cannot be ported. Before submitting or initiating a porting request to your new provider, ensure your number is active and if suspended, make sure you communicate to your previous provider to know the causes of suspension and how it can be fixed.
Unauthorised user: Only authorised users can apply to port numbers. The number has to be registered under your name for a successful porting process. Know if the number is registered under your name or someone else’s before initiating the process.
Missing documents: One missing document can cause your number porting to be rejected. Ensure you have all the necessary documents such as a Letter of Authorisation, billing receipts, and any documents needed to port a number.
Contract obligations: some providers have terms and eligibility checks before someone can port their number. Ensure you check the terms and conditions of a provider before initiating a porting request.
Delay by previous providers: Your previous service providers may ignore or delay the porting request message cause they do not want you to move to other service providers. This will make the transition process very difficult. Ensure you follow up with the providers so as not to delay the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, porting landline number to VoIP is a process businesses in the UK should embrace. With the advancement in technology, businesses will have a competitive edge, helping them grow and create a productive environment for their businesses. There may be many challenges through the transition period but with patience, careful planning, and choosing a reliable provider, businesses can overcome them. By working closely with your current VoIP provider, you can avoid downtime and ensure smooth operation.
Looking for a VoIP service provider? BusinAssist offers VoIP Landline numbers and you can seamlessly port your number with our services. Whether you plan to use this service for your business or personal purposes, our cost-effective and efficient service will fulfill your needs.
We have an App that is designed to improve the performance of our services and ensure seamless connectivity for you always. Our App is available for both Android and iPhone users. Our services offer HD sound quality for the best communication quality.
For more information on VoIP Landline numbers and porting your landline number to our service, contact us at [email protected].
FAQs
Q: How do I convert my landline phone to VoIP?
Ans: To convert your landline phone to VoIP,
- Choose a VoIP provider that meets your business needs.
- Confirm the number portability. Can your landline number be transferred to the service provider?
- Provide necessary documentation to prove the ownership of the landline number
- Submit a porting request
- Coordinate with your current provider to avoid service disruption
- Complete the porting process and use the number on the VoIP system.
Q: How does VoIP work without a landline?
Ans: Without a landline, VoIP works by dividing audio into small data packets that are sent over the internet to a receiving device. The data packets are compressed and sent across the internet and are reassembled at the receiver’s end, where they are converted back into audio.
Q: When should I choose VoIP over a landline for my business?
Ans: You should choose VoIP over landline for your business if you want to save money, easily scale up, have accessibility, advanced features, and improve performance.
Q: Is VoIP a landline?
Ans: No, VoIP is not a landline, but it can be used as an alternative to a landline.
Q: How to use a landline phone with VoIP?
Ans: To use a landline phone with VoIP, you can either use a VoIP adapter or purchase a VoIP phone.
Q: How to block VoIP calls on landlines?
Ans: To block VoIP calls on landlines, you can configure your VoIP Business online account to block unwanted calls from certain numbers, area codes, and phones with no caller ID. You can also activate the anonymous call rejection feature.
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