How to port your business phone number in Australia
Short answer: yes, you can keep your existing number when you switch business phone providers — the process is called porting. WiseCloud ports numbers at no extra cost. Here's how it actually works.
Quick answer: Porting moves your existing phone number to a new provider without changing the number itself. You'll typically need a signed porting authorisation and a recent bill as proof of ownership. WiseCloud handles the porting process and doesn't charge extra for it.
What is number porting?
Number porting is the process of moving an existing phone number from one telecommunications provider to another, while the number itself stays exactly the same. It exists so businesses aren't locked into a provider just because changing would mean losing the number their customers already know.
How the porting process generally works
- Sign up with your new provider and tell them which number(s) you want to keep.
- Provide authorisation — usually a signed porting authorisation (sometimes called a Letter of Authority) plus proof you control the number, such as a recent bill.
- Your new provider submits the port request to your existing carrier on your behalf.
- The port completes and your number becomes active on the new service. Timeframes and any brief interruption vary by carrier and number type — your new provider should be able to confirm what to expect for your specific number.
Things to check before you port
- Outstanding balances — some carriers require your final bill to be settled before releasing a number.
- Contract terms — check whether your current provider has a lock-in period or early-exit fee.
- Number type — landline, mobile and 1300/1800 numbers can have different porting requirements.
- Timing — ask your new provider for a specific expected date so you can plan around it.
How WiseCloud handles porting
When you move to WiseCloud's cloud phone system, we port your existing landline and business numbers across at no extra cost — you keep the number your customers already dial. We handle the paperwork and coordination with your outgoing carrier as part of setup.
Number porting — quick answers
Will I lose my number if I switch phone providers?
No — porting is specifically designed to let you keep your existing number when you move to a new provider. Your number moves with you; only the underlying carrier changes.
What do I need to provide to port a business number?
Typically a completed porting authorisation (sometimes called a Letter of Authority) and proof you control the number, such as a recent bill from your current provider. Your new provider will tell you exactly what they need.
Is there downtime while my number ports?
It depends on your carrier and number type, so ask your new provider for a timeframe specific to your number. Well-managed ports aim to minimise any interruption.
Does WiseCloud charge to port my number?
No. WiseCloud ports your existing landline and business numbers to our cloud phone system at no extra cost.
Keep your number, switch your phone system
Tell us your current provider and number and we'll take care of the port — no extra cost, no downtime you don't have to plan for.