How to Replace a Mobile Phone Service With VoIP Service
Wireless Local Number Portability, or LNP, has been instituted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow telephone consumers to transfer their telephone number when they transfer telephone service. It is typically possible to port a telephone number from a mobile carrier to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) carrier. There are exceptions allowed between carriers, and exclusions still exist for smaller wireless carriers and VoIP providers. Most VoIP carriers have a form on their website to quickly determine if your number can be ported to their service.
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Instructions
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Select a VoIP carrier. You should assess the options and take the time to ensure that your selected VoIP carrier can port an existing mobile number into their coverage.
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Start the transfer with your new VoIP carrier. Most will have an online form on their website or a toll-free telephone number you can call to initiate service.
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Provide all the requested documentation and signatures to the VoIP carrier. They will request documentation that shows you control the number you wish to port. This can typically be provided in the form of a recent bill from your current mobile carrier along with a signature.
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Pay any fees assessed by your new VoIP carrier for the port. The fees may range from free to $20 or more, depending upon the carrier.
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Wait until your existing mobile carrier approves the porting request. They must release the number before you cancel service. The process could take four hours to four weeks, depending upon the carriers involved.
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Cancel service with your old mobile carrier. Porting your number out should terminate your service, but do not assume the mobile carrier will close your account. Call and terminate the service and request a final bill.
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Tips & Warnings
Not many VoIP providers provide text-messaging capabilities, so keep this in mind when selecting a carrier, if you care to receive SMS at your old number.
It is important to initiate the number porting process with your new VoIP carrier. Only cancel your mobile account after the port has succeeded. If you fail to do this, you could lose the number.
