Migration Guide

Number Porting Guide Australia — Keep Your Business Numbers

ConnectCX Advisory TeamPublished 10 March 2026· Updated 14 April 2026

Keeping your existing business phone numbers when switching providers is critical. This guide covers everything Australian businesses need to know about number porting — from geographic numbers to 1300 and 1800 services.

Typical timeline: Standard porting: 5–10 business days. Complex porting (large volumes, 1300/1800): up to 20 business days.

Step-by-step process

Gather your account details

You'll need your current provider's account number, authorised contact name, and a list of all numbers to port. Check your latest bill for details.

Submit a porting request

Your new provider will submit an Authorisation form on your behalf. You'll need to sign a Letter of Authority (LOA) confirming the transfer.

Verification period

Your current provider (the 'losing carrier') has 1 business day to verify the request. They may reject it if details don't match — ensure accuracy.

Porting window

A porting date is scheduled. On the day, your numbers are transferred — usually with minimal downtime (minutes, not hours).

Post-port verification

Test all ported numbers immediately. Check inbound and outbound calls, voicemail, and any forwarding rules.

Cancel old service

Once confirmed working, cancel your old provider account. Don't cancel before porting completes or you may lose your numbers.

Benefits

Keep your established business identity and customer contacts
No need to update marketing materials, business cards, or websites
Seamless transition for customers — they won't know you switched
Porting is free with most new providers

Watch out for

Mismatched account details cause porting rejections — verify everything before submitting
Cancelling old service before porting is complete can result in permanent number loss
1300/1800 numbers have a separate porting process and may take longer
Some very old number ranges may require special handling

Frequently asked questions

Is number porting free?

Most providers don't charge for inbound number porting. Your old provider may charge an early termination fee if you're under contract, but the porting itself is typically free.

Can I port 1300 and 1800 numbers?

Yes. 1300 and 1800 numbers can be ported between providers. The process is slightly different from geographic numbers and may take up to 20 business days.

What if my porting request is rejected?

Common reasons include mismatched account details, pending bills, or existing port requests. Correct the issue and resubmit — your new provider's support team can help.

Is there downtime during porting?

Minimal. Most ports complete with only a few minutes of downtime. Your new provider can set up call forwarding as a safety net during the transition.

Not sure which AI phone system is right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions about your business. We'll recommend the right AI phone system for your needs — free, with no sales call required.

Get my free assessment →

Takes 2 minutes. No credit card. No obligation.